Desa Penglipuran: The World’s Most Neat Traditional Village
Authenticity is an ancient value kept alive by the people of Bali. The populace has a reputation in the world for paying special attention to preserving traditional philosophies and ways of life in the face of modernization and global tourism. Desa adat (cultural villages) are distinct villages, characterized by houses that strictly adhere to traditional architecture, and the inhabitants usually ...
November 29, 2019 Activities, Bali Culture, Bali Style, Nature, Travel Mepantigan: A Balinese Martial Art
Mepantigan, meaning “to throw” in Balinese, is a unique form of martial arts in which the main objective is not self-defense, but rather to act as a medium to educate people about nature, empathy, and discipline. It takes place in muddy rice fields that sprawl across the Ubud agricultural landscape. Sometimes the tradition is carried out on a soft sandy ...
November 22, 2019 Activities, Bali Culture, Bali Style, Nature, Travel Goa Gajah: An Ancient Cave of Wonder
In a rocky forest of Tampaksiring, Gianyar, a Dutch archeologist discovered an ancient ruin that predates the era of the Balinese Kingdoms. These ruins were unlike any other. Usually, what survives across time are grand ancient memorials and temples. But what was discovered back in 1923 was a cave, Goa Gajah - a lonely, reclusive meditation cave that is guarded ...
November 15, 2019 Bali Culture, Nature, Tips, Travel Tirta Gangga Palace: Beautiful Water Garden in East Bali
On the gentle steps of the volcanic Mt. Agung in eastern Bali, a royal palace was built. Unlike other Rajas (kings) in Bali, the late Raja Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem (1887-1966) did not build a comparatively grand residency. He focused his attention instead on his lavish 1.2 acres of pools, fountains, fish ponds and water features that sprawl across ...
November 8, 2019 Bali Culture, Nature, Tips, Travel Tirta Empul Temple, Where Your Spiritual Journey Begins
When you visit the magnificent island of Bali, are you planning to do something different – more than just frolicking on the sand under tropical skies? Perhaps you want to go beyond the rustic island life, or even get away from the crazy nightlife scene? If so, a spiritual journey to the Tirta Empul Temple may be just what you’re ...
October 25, 2019 Activities, Bali Culture, Nature, Travel Annual Festival of Traditional Kites Bali
Bali is one of those places that will have you immersed in its arts and culture as soon as you arrive on the island. In fact, you are immediately greeted by the iconic Balinese gates when you arrive at the airport, along with traditional music playing in the background. One art form in particular that will surely amaze you is ...
October 11, 2019 Activities, Bali Culture, Travel Explore Night Markets in Ubud
As the cultural heart of Bali, Ubud presents endless experiences and ideas for visitors. If you’re looking for places to visit in Ubud, especially after dark, night markets are ideal. The night market in Ubud is an excellent place to sample the local culinary delights, buy handmade local handicrafts, and just be immersed in the local Balinese community and culture. ...
July 26, 2019 Bali Culture, Restaurant, Travel Kecak Dance – The Monkey Chanting Dance
With a history so rich and rooted in cultural traditions, Bali is known for its unique Kecak Dance. This legendary dance has captivated audiences and visitors from all over the world. You should definitely find time to see this Dance during your visit to Bali! What is the Kecak Dance? As with many Balinese art performances and ...
June 28, 2019 Bali Culture, Culture Lempuyang Temple – The Gateway to Heaven
Visiting Bali wouldn’t be complete if you didn’t visit the magnificent temples scattered around the island. These grand temples are tied to the rich Hindu and Balinese culture that exists on the island. You may have heard about Uluwatu Temple or Tanah Lot. Both are located along the western coast of Bali, both of which are absolutely beautiful in their ...
May 24, 2019 Bali Culture, Culture, Travel Saraswati Day – A Celebration of Knowledge
Bali is known for its wide variety of vibrant cultural practices. Most people are familiar with the larger ceremonies such as Nyepi. When the island goes dark it is a way of paying tribute to the Gods. However, in this article, we’ll be discussing a tradition that is perhaps not as well-known. We're talking about Saraswati Day. What is ...
May 10, 2019 Bali Culture, Culture 
