Cultural Lessons from the Balinese Ngaben Ceremony
An initial spark grew into a raging inferno. Yet standing around the blaze, the Balinese smile with joy and calm as their deceased, encased in a beautiful papier-mache sarcophagus, becomes one with the flame. One of the most unique cremation ceremonies in the world is found in Bali, and it is called Ngaben. Death in Balinese Hindu is not considered ...
August 28, 2020
Activities, Bali Culture, Culture, Travel
Top 3 Instagrammable Places in Gianyar
Imagine going to a place that is perfect for nature photography: Bali long-tail grey monkeys, waterfalls, rice terraces, winding paths through a rainforest, and an ancient Balinese temple – all of these are found in one area, that is Gianyar region. Get ready to do some exploring, because we have some local advice on where you can find the most ...
July 10, 2020
Activities, Bali Culture, Culture, Tips, Travel
A Local Guide to Ubud Markets
Ubud is often associated with imagery of exotic rice fields and dense rainforests, and a creative center of arts and crafts – sold in the Ubud Markets. In this article, we’ll write a short guide for those planning to go to Ubud. Traveling to Ubud Despite its small size, many roads have been built to lead you to Ubud from ...
May 8, 2020
Activities, Bali Culture, Culture, Tips, Travel
A Visit to the Historical Taman Ujung in Karangasem
Far from bustling South Bali lies a hidden historical gem – a serene Dutch-Balinese water palace with a surprising history. It is located about 5 km southeast of the pleasant town Amlapura, very close to the eastern Bali coastline. If you’re a big fan of history and culture, particularly of Balinese and Indonesian history, then Taman Ujung Palace in Karangasem ...
April 17, 2020
Activities, Bali Culture, Tips, Travel
Bali Cultural Focus: Traditional Barong Dance in Ubud, Gianyar
The gamelan orchestra transports you to the mystical side of Bali. Every beat of the bronze gongs and ancient xylophones draws you closer into a curious yet unknown world. Two monkeys enter from the stage curtain, along with the antagonist. Speaking in coarse Balinese, the witch incites an evil scheme, which allows more characters to enter the stage, including the ...
April 3, 2020
Activities, Bali Culture, Culture, Travel
Enjoy the Sunset in Ubud’s Photogenic Landscapes
Bali is known for its breath-taking landscapes, and this usually comes with an epic bonus: the sunset. We’ve written about the top 5 favourite spots in Bali to watch the sunset in January, but we realized that you don’t have to be close to a body of water to get a spectacular sunset shot. In the highlands such as Ubud, ...
March 20, 2020
Activities, Bali Culture, Culture, Nature, Tips, Travel
How to Enjoy the Nyepi Holiday (with Children!)
Nyepi, also known as Day of Silence, is a unique Balinese tradition. Nowhere else in the world will you see an entire island ‘shut down’ – even the international airport and harbors stops operating. All roads and other public outdoor locations are deserted, and the human footprint is minimized, as going outside is not an option. If you happen to ...
March 13, 2020
Activities, Bali Culture, Tips, Travel
Get Creative in Ubud! 3 Places to Visit to make Art and Crafts
Ubud has been the centre of attention in the recent decade for being a place of creativity, positive relaxation and healing. In actual fact, the name of this little town, Ubud, is derived from ubad, the Balinese word for medicine. Anyone who has spent at least a day in Ubud can feel the creative energy and wholesome vibes that can ...
February 28, 2020
Activities, Bali Culture, Bali Style, Culture, Tips, Travel
Sunrise and Surfing: Exploring the Vibe of Keramas Beach
Keramas Beach is considered to be one of the top three beaches in Gianyar. It is slowly gaining popularity ever since the Bypass has been completed, giving better access to the relatively untouched east coast. Being on the east side of the island, the locals of Keramas beach enjoy the brilliant sunrise that illuminates the tall wave crests in the ...
February 14, 2020
Activities, Bali Culture, Nature, Tips, Travel
Bali Agung Show: Experience A Spectacular Cultural Performance
The live theatrical performance is not just a neat addition to your experience at Bali Safari Park. It also complements your entire experience in Bali as a whole. Bali is indeed very unique due to the Hindu-Javanese cultural influence, so it is no surprise that you will hear a lot about the myths and legends that are deep-rooted into the ...
January 10, 2020
Accommodation, Activities, Bali Culture, Bali Style, Tips, Travel