Namhar Hernanto
Ngaben: The Balinese Cremation Ceremony
For the Balinese, and from their spiritual perspective, death is no less essential to life, for it’s part of a continuous cycle: Birth-life-death. And just like celebrating birth and life, a ceremony will also be performed to send the dead through the transition to the next life (reincarnation). The Balinese cremation ceremony, called Ngaben or
Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets
Featuring masks used in shamanistic practices, communal rituals, and theatrical performances, this gem speaks of the human impulse to transform one’s identity. The Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets presents a treasure trove of heritage quite unlike anything else. Celebrating cultures and traditions by housing over 1,300 masks and 5,700 puppets from across the
Mads Lange : Why a Danish Man Has a Kuta Street Named After Him
If you explore the backstreets of Kuta enough, you’ll come across a road named ‘Jalan Tuan Lange’, dedicated to Mads Lange , a Danish man who had a colourful Denmark is about as far from Bali as pickled herring is from nasi campur, but there was a period of 18 years when these two very disparate cultures intertwined in a
Complexities of the Banjar Community in the Modern World
Massive development has in many ways changed the landscape of Bali from being the home to an agricultural society to a now bustling tourism industry. The establishment of posh restaurants, luxury resorts, and glittering night clubs have led to many mistaking Bali as Indonesia’s capital of hedonism, not Hinduism. But if you look past the
3 Things Helping to Preserve Balinese Traditions for the Future
Amidst today’s modern Bali, where asphalted roads have taken over a good portion of rice fields, the sound of the traditional gamelan music still echoes across the island, and the traditional sarong and sash as well as the women’s kebaya remain in fashion. The Balinese have maintained a great trait of being a friendly, welcoming
Bali Tourism 2020: What Does the Government Have Planned for the Island?
Going back to Tri Hita Karana, the Balinese concept for achieving wellbeing, and restoring the island’s taksu or spirit are high on the Bali government’s list for the future tourism of Bali. The future of tourism on the Island of the Gods is planned to change for the better. Bali is set to lead the
A Dying Paradise: Preserving Religion, Culture and Customs in Bali
Religion, culture, and custom. The three are the formula that make up Bali, a one-of-a-kind destination frequented by millions from many corners of the world. Today, when mass tourism has also come to play, many argue that Bali’s true identity has been overshadowed by those looking for a cheap getaway, changing the image of the
Prasasti Blanjong Pillar: Ancient Inscriptions in Sanur
A small monument known as Prasasti Blanjong, was carved from a single solid stone pillar that measures around 70 inches and 32 inches in diameter. It is one of the oldest manmade artefacts in Bali that dates back to the 10th century, only found in 1932. It commemorates the victory of King Kesariwarmedewa of Bali’s
Pan Am Monument in Bali : Commemorating a Tragedy
Driving north from the main hub of Sanur to the quiet Padang Galak area, a memorial monument of a fatal Pan American flight accident nestled in quite a hidden spot behind abandoned buildings. In 1974, a Pan American flight flying from from Hong Kong to Sydney with a scheduled transit in Bali, crashed in the
How Do the Balinese Choose Their ‘Auspicious’ Days?
Here in Bali, a joyous occasion will turn to misery if not celebrated at the right time. It is of utmost important, therefore, that an auspicious day is chosen very carefully for ceremonies and rituals. Never will a Balinese person hold a ceremony without consulting a specialist (in most cases, a priest) to determine the
Bali’s Christian Hamlets
Balinese Hindu temples and mosques are decorating a good portion of the Jembrana area in West Bali, with quite a number of them located by the roadsides. But if you turn inland on the way to the West Bali National Park to the villages of Blimbingsari and Palasari, you’ll come upon the home of the
West Bali : The Road Less-Travelled
There’s more to west Bali than the protected areas of the national park. The region’s villages, both inland and on the coast, invite keen travellers to feast their eyes on breathtaking natural views and experience the ‘real Bali’. Aone of a kind natural wonder in west Bali is Bunut Bolong. Found in Manggisari village, Bunut
Bangli’s Hidden Temples
If you explore Bangli deeper, you’ll be amazed by the regency’s many charms not listed in any guide book – Pura Taman Pecampuhan and Pura Dalem Balingkang for instance. Bangli is best known for its Kintamani highlands, home to the majestic Lake Batur and Mount Batur. Both residents and visitors usually flock the area for
