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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Getting Interested in Jegog, a Foreign Tourist Joins to Dance

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When Jegog music, a typical traditional gamelan of Jembrana, was played at the Bali Arts Festival (BAF) XXXVI, visitors immediately went to the Ayodya Stage. Just within a few minutes, the stage located in the northeast of the Art Center was instantly fully occupied. More interestingly, foreign travelers sitting on the front row were ready with cameras and camcorders.
It was the turn of Metu Swara Jegog Troupe from Banyu Biru village and Swara Sandhi Jegog Troupe from Perancak village, Negara subdistrict (Jembrana) to make performance on Saturday (Jul 5). The gamelan composition played by natural artists sounded melodious. The tones overlapped and gave cheerfulness as if it invited the audience to rejoice.
Initially, they presented classical gamelan music and Bangun Jembrana creation that purely introduced the beautiful sound of the Jegog gamelan instrument. Later, the collaboration with the artists of dancer indicated if the gamelan estimated to have existed since 1912 was really interesting to be used as dance accompaniment. The dances presented looked innovative in terms of the dance movement or fashion.
This kind of Joged dance received the most response from the audience. It was almost the same as the Joged Bumbung dance involving the audience as pengibing or co-dancer. Its movement was very simple, so that they could be explored by the audience. It was amusing but did not leave the basic norms of Balinese dance. Virtually there was no impression of porn action, so the dancers could draw co-dancer endlessly.
Amidst the thundering sound of the gamelan, a foreign visitor looked to get interested. He was not content just to hear the songs alone. Therefore, he got up and shook hands with the dancer. With a smile, the foreign traveler imitated the movement of the dancer. He seemed so happy while moving his hands, fingers to the body. Besides, his legs also stamped and crossed while sometimes also pivoted.

His movement often followed the rhythm of Jegog that sometimes was strong and weak. Every now and then, he showed off disco-style movement as in his country. As long as the foreign traveler was dancing, he was constantly applauded by the audience. Meanwhile, his companion was busy immortalizing his performance by camcorder.
Jegog gamelan music supposedly created by an artist named Kiyang Geliduh from Sebuah hamlet, Dangin Tukad Aya village, was staged almost every year in the BAF. The gamelan players used two sticks in the play. Other than having larger size, the way to play the gamelan was standing up while beating the bamboo blades of the gamelan.
Especially for the jegog instrument, the gamelan players beat the instrument while squatting and perching on back gamelan frame. (BTN/015)

 http://www.bali-travelnews.com

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An Interesting Collaboration of Kid Artists

Enchanting Rare Roro Arja Operetta  

Are children today only able to play? Oh.... it’s not entirely correct. Have a look at their action in the Bali Arts Festival (BAF) XXXVI at the Bali Art Center. For a whole month (Jun 13 to Jul 12), they make expressions in some art programs. Some are involved in the opening parade, staging to competition or parade.
Many people recognize the portion of children is very small, but children are still able to show off an interesting and artistic creativity. For example, it can be seen in the parade of kid Gong Kebyar, parade of Balinese pop song, kid gender gamelan competition, young puppeteer competition, ngelawang or street show as well as many dance that almost all of the were alluring. Their creativity could hypnotize the visitors of BAF.
 http://www.bali-travelnews.com

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Bali Kite Festival in Sanur

Type: Festival

The Bali Kite Festival will again be held on the beach of Padang Galak near Sanur from 18th – 20th June, 2014.
Hundreds of Kites – some as large as a truck or a bus – will be sent flown by teams of young men assembling from banjars across Bali to compete with other kites lovingly assembled over the weeks leading up to the event.
Technical meetings between the competing teams are now underway to socialize the rules governing the three categories of kite and guidelines to enhance the safety of participants and spectators alike.
Colourful teams in obligatory Balinese dress have become a staple event on Bali’s calendar.
Open to the public, but be warned that Jalan Bypass becomes a very busy road during this time. Some kites take up more than the width of 1 lane, situated on the back of trucks.
Accompanying them are scores of team members on their motor-bikes, some with sirens warning of their approach. Sanur really becomes a festive town for this annual event.
Watch the skies from Benoa to Ketewel daily from now to see practice runs. These must surely be the biggest kites in the world. Any volunteers to prove us wrong? Do the Thailanders have bigger ones?
News from Bali Discovery Tours. http://www.balidiscovery.com.

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500 Fishermen Dancers Ready to Grace Bulfest 2014

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If the Teruna Jaya Dance poses the icon of Buleleng Festival (Bulfest) 2013, so the celebration of Bulfest 2014 is ready to come with Fishermen Dance composed by choreographer I Ketut Merdana from Kedis village, Busungbiu subdistrict. It will be performed en masse as one of the attractions at the opening of the Buleleng Festival that will take place on August 6-10, 2014.
This dance will be performed by 500 dancers originating from the circles of students of high school, vocational school and college in Northern Bali.
They will make performance along the Jalan Ngurah Rai, Singaraja. “The dance has moral messages to the community of Buleleng that actually has abundant potentials of the arts and have not been explored maximally,” said Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Gede Suyasa, after leading the coordination meeting on the preparation of the Bulfest, Monday (Jul 7).
The Bulfest of this year featured the theme ‘Dynamics of Buleleng’ and this Fishermen Dance was considered appropriate with the theme namely the marine potential of Buleleng. “This is a result of our discussion with the artists of Buleleng. The theme and moment are appropriate as the revival to the maritime spirit of Buleleng,” he explained

 http://www.bali-travelnews.com

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Unique Tracks Offered by ATV Rider at Wake Bali Adventure

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Are you a challenge seeker wishing to test the adrenaline? Try to shoot your guts by riding the ATV Rider at Wake Bali Adventure. With the track along 6.5 km and traveling time of about 2.5 hours, you can go through a fantastic track. Natural rice fields, cliffs, rivers, caves and beaches are so beautiful generating unique memories while spending vacation in Bali.
Wake Bali Adventure is located at Keramas village, Blahbatuh, Gianyar, or about 40 minute’s drive from downtown Denpasar. This is the first ATV in Bali offering the tracks on the black sandy beaches that will make a remarkable journey. Enjoy something different on this quad ATV that can be ridden alone or in tandem. Each participant has been already covered with insurance, meals, welcome drink and t-shirts.
Wake Bali Adventure is glad to offer three unique combinations of tracks. They are passing through rice fields along with farmer activity. This route reflects the Balinese traditions and activities. Local farmers cultivated their farmland accompanied with ritual activity, so it is full of exotic culture. Small animals such as lizards, snakes, frogs and others are frequently encountered in the beautiful nature, without exception of birds, dragonflies and insects as if they became traveling companions. Likewise, natural green rice fields will make you peaceful.
After that, the participants explore the river having the cliffs filled with rich greenery. The journey is so beautiful because it is accompanied by the sounds of peaceful nature. Sometimes the participants split tree branches and are massaged by the splash of the rice field water. Tense atmosphere will be felt when driving down the Jalan Bypass IB Mantra while passing through a natural tunnel.
Later on, all participants resume the journey to Keramas Beach area that is able to defuse the tense situation. Relaxation can be done while swirling on the black sand and making expression by lifting the ATV on the chunks of sand. Keramas Beach has huge waves which becomes the favorite beach for world surfers. General Manager Ngurah Suantara said that Wake Bali Adventure had indeed been chosen by numerous world adventurers as a place to test their guts. Although the company was only one year old, travelers from various parts of the world had enjoyed the unique tracks on offer. “This adventure is most favored by travelers from Australia due to the challenging tracks offered by the Wake Bali Adventure,” he said.
The owner Ketut Purnama said that in addition to challenging, the scenic tracks of Wake Bali Adventure were often chosen as the location of film shooting by national and international TV stations. There were two engine options offered, namely 40 motors with capacity of 700 cc and 8 motors with 250 cc. “Besides, this adventure also has another superiority where it is very close to other tourist attractions such as the Bali Marine Safari Park, Sukawati Art Market, Gianyar town and Ubud,” he added. (BTN/015)

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Four Unique Tourist Attractions in Gianyar

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Pegulingan Temple, Tirta Empul, Mengening and Gunung Kawi are tourist attractions offering the uniqueness of their own. The four tourist attractions are located in Tampaksiring, Gianyar County, perching in the same path to Kintamani tourist attraction, Bangli. They pose a spiritual tourist center with their own advantages, so they are not only visited by Hindus to worship, but also by domestic to foreign travelers. Other than offering convenience to seek peace, those temples also become the center of research and historical objects. At Pegulingan Temple, for example, the sanctum located at Basangambu hamlet, Manukaya village, is synonymous with Buddhism and Hinduism acculturation. The temple retains a lot of ancient relics, such as octagonal stupa, panca datu, Buddha statues and Shivaitic yoni.
There is also a rock stone box containing clay seal that outlining the spells of Mahayana Buddhism. Existence of such high-value objects caused the Pegulingan Temple to become one of the national cultural heritages and world cultural heritages. Preservation of the historic objects could create the tourist attraction into a spiritual object and archaeological tourist destination. As they are closely located, having visited the Pegulingan Temple travelers usually resume their visit to Tirta Empul Temple. It is really a spiritual tourist center since the days of yesteryear. Hindu community in Bali often takes advantage of the springs as a water source for melukat or purificatory rite. Since this place becomes a tourist center, many foreign travelers also do the same. Every full moon, new moon, Kliwon (fifth day in five-day week) or other Hindu holy days, the temple having a shower is always thronged by pilgrims wishing to do purificatory rite. It is said the holy spring emerged during the battle between Lord Indra and the evil king named Mayadenawa.
At that time, Mayadenawa escaped by tilting his legs in order not to be known by Lord Indra, so the place was then named Tampaksiring. In his hideaway, Mayadenawa poisoned the water which was then drunk by the troops of Lord Indra. As a result, the troops were killed. On knowing this, Lord Indra then plugged something into the ground that sprang fresh water taken advantage as antidote. The spring was then known as Tirta Empul. The first President of the Republic of Indonesia, Sukarno, made the presidential palace in the west of the sacred area. On that account, the palace area also became an interesting tourist attraction.
Still in the region, there is Mangening Temple becoming one of the cultural heritages. It is situated at Saraseda village having cool and tranquil natural ambience. To get there, visitors must down the stairs. The temple area is very beautiful because it has some ponds with crystal clear water. In the main part of the temple, there are three-tiered meru shrine where lingam-yoni statue was discovered. At the outermost courtyard lies a landscaping garden with five showers, while in the middle courtyard can be found buildings like gamelan pavilion, kulkul pavilion, pegambahan pavilion and pegat pavilion. Another unique spiritual tourist attraction is Gunung Kawi. It is located at Penaka hamlet denoting a cultural heritage of Bali. Uniquely, it has carved temples on ravine rock. The object serves to glorify the spirit of King Udayana and his family. Gunung Kawi stands next to Pakerisan River, a sacred tributary flowing from the mountain in the north. There are ten large niches with carved stone shrine, which is said to be the tombs of the kings and their consorts. In terms of design, it strongly reflects the influence of Indian culture.

 http://www.bali-travelnews.com

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Pemuda Desa Bukian Gelar Parade Baleganjur

Tanggal: 13 Juli 2014 Jam:6:48 pm • Bali, Budaya, Gianyar, Headline

GIANYAR, BALIPOST.com-Sejumlah atraksi menarik yang dibawakan sebelas sekaa teruna banjar se-Desa Bukian, Kecamatan Payangan, Gianyar ditampilkan dalam kemasan parade beleganjur, Minggu (13/7). Kegiatan ini merupakan rangkaian dari peringatan HUT Kemerdekaan RI mendatang.
Ketua Panitia Parade Baleganjur Ngakan Ketut Rai mengatakan, parade baleganjur ini merupakan yang ketiga kalinya. Partisipasi warga sangat tinggi. Parade diharapkan bisa menampilksan karya seni yang adiluhung walaupun persiapannya hanya sebulan. Semua banjar di desa Bukian diwakili sekaa teruna masing-masing tampil dengan membawa keunggulan dan potensi yang dimiliki setiap banjar. “Sedikitnya parade ini melibatkan 700 seniman,” kata Ngakan Ketut Rai.(agung dharmada/balipost)

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Atuh Beach

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Atuh Beach is tranquilly situated at beautiful bay with natural white sand, while in the left side lies the Juntil Cape and on the right (south) stands the Labuan Ampuak. Then, in the east occur the magnificent Gili Batu Melawang, Gili Batu Pedasan, Gili Batu Abah and Gili Batu Metegen.
At the easternmost tip of Juntil Cape and in the east of Gili Padasan lies a very ideal fishing spot. Meanwhile, in the south of Labuan Ampuak can be found a natural cave becoming the native home to swallows to nest. The land at the Atuh Valley is very fertile and there stand two temples namely the Segara Temple functioned to venerate Lord Varuna whose piodalan or anniversary falls on Sasih Kedasa (tenth month of Balinese calendar). In the inner courtyard of the temple lie two sacred wells containing very clear water.
Access leading to the beach can be taken through two routes, namely Pelilit hamlet (20 km from Buyuk boat quay) then it is connected to unpaved road along about 2 km. Meanwhile, another can be reached through Kelodan hamlet (17 km from Buyuk) and connected to unpaved road along approximately 5 km.

 http://www.bali-travelnews.com

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Kunjungan Wisman ke Bali Lebihi Target

Tanggal: 12 Juli 2014 Jam:12:44 pm • Bali, Denpasar, Headline, Pariwisata

DENPASAR, BALIPOST.com- Tingkat kunjungan wisatawan mancanegara (wisman) yang terbang langsung dari negaranya ke Bali diperkirakan melebihi angka sasaran atau target yang ditetapkan pemerintah sebanyak 3,5 juta orang selama 2014.”Bali hingga saat ini masih menjadi primadona tujuan wisata perpelancongan bagi turis internasional karena menyimpan keindahan alam spektakuler dan budaya yang memikat,” kata pengamat dan praktisi pariwisata Dewa Nyoman Putra di Denpasar, dikutip dari Antara, Sabtu (12/7).
Pelancong yang datang langsung ke Bali, kata dia, hingga Juni 2014 tercatat 1.727.875 orang atau bertambah 15,73 persen jika dibandingkan periode yang sama 2013 hanya 1493.021 orang.
“Ini artinya dalam enam bulan pertama 2014 sudah mendekati target kedatangan turis asing ke Bali, apalagi dalam bulan-bulan pertengahan tahun masyarakat internasional yang berliburan akan lebih banyak melakukan perjalanan wisata, terutama ke Bali,” ujarnya.
Pesta Kesenian Bali (PKB) juga menjadi salah satu daya tarik wisatawan asing ke Pulau Dewata, apalagi derah ini masih dinilai paling lengkap memadukan keindahan alam spektakuler dan budaya yang ada.
Turis asal Eropa dan Amerika Serikat yang kondisi ekonominya belum pulih 100 persen dari krisis ternyata tetap ramai ke Bali, bahkan cenderung bertambah. Begitu juga masyarakat di negara-negara ASEAN. Turis Eropa yang terbang langsung ke Bali dari negara ASEAN tercatat sebanyak 326.993 orang atau peranannya mencapai 18,92 persen dari jumlah turis ke daerah ini. “Angka itu cukup menggembirakan mengingat kondisi ekonomi masyarakat di sana,” katanya. Begitu pula, masyarakat Amerika Serikat yang datang berlibur ke Pulau Dewata sebanyak 85.669 orang hampir 5 persen dari seluruh turis asing ke Bali.
 http://balipost.com

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Travelers Get Fascinated by Balinese Dance

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Travelers making a visit to Ulun Danu Beratan are very lucky. They will not only see the beauty of the lake, but also witness the presentation of the art and culture through the Ulun Danu Beratan Festival. Indeed, the festival officially opened by the Regent of Tabanan Ni Putu Eka Wiryastuti will last for three months (Jun 16 to Aug 3, 2014) and displays local arts by each customary village at Baturiti in turn.
The art performance is only made every Saturday, Sunday and national holidays. Well, on June 5-6, the Baturiti and Kembang Merta customary village presented some dazzling traditional dances such as the Baris Tunggal, Oleg Tamulilingan, Margapati, Cendrawasih, Jauk Manis, Topen Tua and Kebyar Duduk. Since the presentation of the dance started, visitors instantly came to throng the arena.
Domestic and foreign travelers did not want to miss out such beautiful moment. They directly immortalized the arts through their camera. Even, many travelers ‘kidnapped’ the dancers to pose together with the beautiful backdrop of Lake Beratan and Ulun Danu Temple. “Well, may I take a picture with the dancers?” said one of Japanese travelers in stammering Bahasa Indonesia.
Operations Manager of the Ulun Danu tourist attraction, I Wayan Mustika, said the art festival was held to attract travelers as well as promote and preserve the local traditional arts. This year’s festival took the theme ‘Kerta Danu: through the Ulun Danu Beratan Art Festival II We Improve the Awareness of the Arts as Featured Tourist Destination.’
The festival presented various types of local arts, ranging from classical gamelan music to sacred dances packed for the performing arts. In addition to dances, the festival also featured okokan, gong and classical angklung gamelan music. Then, it was also enlivened by dozens of artists from the United States. “This biennial festival held at the venue with famous lakeside temple is intended to increase tourism income, so that the welfare of local people also increases,” he said.
Experience of the last year’s festival, explained Mustika, showed the increase in tourist arrivals and the income generated amounted to IDR 9 billion. He expected the current festival also increased the visitors. In 2014, his party dared to set a target of IDR 10 billion with 600,000 visitors. “We are optimistic the current festival will achieve the target. Hopefully, this festival has positive impact,” he said.
 http://www.bali-travelnews.com

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