The youths in every Banjar (Social community which normally consists of some families) gather up to create Ogoh-ogoh (Deity figures which represents negative energy) a month earlier. This ability has flowed in the blood of youth to create giant deity figure. They are able to make it since they are born. The Figure itself is made up of bamboo which are split up into small and thin pieces then formed according to what they want to make. The base for the creature is from solid woods. Then after the master figure is done, the whole object then is covered up by papers to be painted in many colors. For the head and face is usually from the fiery mask of giant face with its grin or long teeth sticking out of its mouth supported by a long white hair. It is a part of the ritual that the head should be covered up until the due date arrives to avoid bad spirit dwells in this gigantic figure. When the time comes, with special offering, the cover can be revealed.

Then when the day is approaching, Pengrupukan starts the processions. A special ceremony is conducted in every Balinese house to keep away bad spirits which are dwelling the spaces at home. The family members will work together to carry out the ceremony. The women will carry the offerings needed for the day, then the father will hold flaming dried coconut leaves, the rest of family members carry any tools that can produce noise. This entire set will go around the house, in every corner of the house, under beds, damp places in the house, etc, making sounds out of the tools they carry, followed by the torch and the offering. Finally, after this all finish, the leftover of the dried flaming coconut leaves are left at the house gate with the offering as the signal that the house is bad spirit free. The activity should be conducted in the afternoon at 5 or 6 pm which is called as Sandi kala (the time shift between noon and evening).

When the night comes, every village in Bali does the next procession which is carrying deity representations around the village.  The deities which are in form of furious and horrible appearance will be carried around the village. The other villages cannot come across the other to carry theirs. They only circle their own area. However, other symbols of Punk model, Motor bike driver and other modern forms are adopted for the ogoh-ogoh as the modernization takes place in Balinese life.

The representation is still having a connection as the influence is not always good. Sometimes, some influences need to be filtered to be useful. These young people carrying the gigantic creation bring up flammable spirit cheering up the festive night, followed by the girls behind holding torches from bamboo. The whole village areas then full of the joyful for the celebration, the noise from the crowd, the light out of the torches and other expressions from the other village members with their own noises.

At the end of this celebration, the ogoh-ogoh will then be burned at the Junction to symbolize the end of the night, for the positive energy takes over the earth. Yes, the celebration lasts only a night. The sound of Kulkul (Thick Wood producing loud sound when hit as a mean of communication at Banjar) is now replacing over the night to accompany the people at home.

The next day, silence takes over the whole Bali area. There is no sounds, no people and vehicles on the road, no kids play around, No schools open, No works and completely nothing except for the silence. This 24 hours silence stops the whole activities in daily life. International Bali airport closes down. No flights operate for the day. No TV program and radio running, no lights during the day. The businesses have paused that day. Even the birds are not chirping. There is an exception for not following the rules especially for emergency such as Hospital will be still open 24 hours, ambulance, fire fighter, police station, and people with babies are allowed to have lights at home. The day of silent starts from 6 am to the next morning, 6 am.  The whole Hindu are fasting and meditating during the Nyepi day for self purification. People are staying in their houses to do these four forbidden things during Nyepi day until the next day when the day ends.

Additionally, there are four things should not be done; which are: no lights, no work, no entertainment and no travelling. Hindu are taught to purify themselves and control their passions for daily needs of light, work, eat, drink, entertainment, travelling. This is the time for them to do fasting. Others will do a little bit harder; no talking and fasting. Other religions are also participating by doing those four.  They show their respect to live side by side in the peace.  Tourisms aspects are also showing the same respect by not using lights and allowing their guests coming down to the road.

The next day, Ngembak Geni, is highlighting the end of the moment of Silence. Live gets back to normal again. All aspects of live runs back to normal routine until the next Nyepi day arrive again. The crowd starts again in every corner of Bali, Chats, noises, activities take over again. Offices open for the day and the flights are operating back. Kids play again with their laughter. Houses are full of activities, cooking, entertainment, etc. Fasting and no talking ends, as well as four forbidden acts which are no activity, no entertainment, no light and no travelling are also end.

The end of the day signifies how important to stop the whole activities in a day. This will be beneficial to the world if other countries can do the same. May the silent day in Bali can inspire others to take the same acts for a better future. This action will help to prevent the global warming and to protect our beloved mother earth. Imagine, a day without pollution all over the world, a day without emission from the vehicles or airplane and a day without electricity. Earth will be healthy again gradually. This action will only once in a year which will cost nothing for the sake of us and young generation.

Here is where an active volcano, mount Batur, and Lake Batur are located which are surrounded by an extraordinary view all the way up. Mount Batur has been erupted for many times since 1800. It is noted 24 times eruptions and still remains active up to now. From the top of this mountain, the whole Kintamani area can be seen, the dramatic view as well as rare sunrise exposure to experience. On top of this mount, the wonderful experience is presented. The view to be watched and captured by most tourists coming to visit.

The journey for a life time experience starts at 1 am in the morning. There are many travel agents and tours offer sunrise view trips in Bali. Either using one of these agents or do your own trip will be fine. However, should be remembered, you can only do your own trip if you have experience climbing up mountains before and know exactly what you are doing, accompanied by an experienced local guide will be perfect for you to start with. Get prepared with all needed equipments before. The 2 hours climb will need extra energy especially when it is done early at 1 am. Be sure that your body is in a good condition to avoid unexpected things happened. Another serious stuff needed is good lighting, since the path will be foggy, and the sight will be limited as there is no light. The most important is do not climb up the mountain alone, be with minimum 3 people in a group.

Starts from 2 hours driving from Denpasar with the agent, you will see the difference between the Bali Island during daytime and early in the morning. The roads are quiet and empty, the cool air is easily chilled you. The fog starts covering the streets when entering Gianyar regency and will be cooler and more fog on the way up to Kintamani.  Arriving at Toya Bungkah, the unforgettable moment starts up. The hikers should report first to the guards at the post at the bottom of the mountain. Fee needs to be paid there at IDR 10.000,-. It is suggested for the inexperience hikers to be accompanied by local guides with fee at IDR 75.000,- per person. It will take 2 hours climb to get to the top.

On the way up will be like in a movie scene. Beautiful foggy scenery on the left and right is exceptionally fantastic. Big stones from the past eruption appeared to give more dream-like view. The combination of big black stones, foggy scenery and misty air makes the whole scene unforgettable. More wonderful view starts up before the sun rise. The sky turns into yellowish color. The darkness has faded away and changed by the light. The dawn has broken by the early sun rise in the east. The first light in the morning brings the warmth for the chilling bodies waiting for the close view. The 2 hours trip has paid back by the priceless moment. The whole mountain becomes clearer as the sun climbs higher to spot the beauty. Then the Batur Lake lies stunning underneath showered by the sun light. After awhile enjoying the early sun, it is the time to go back down. Going down is easier and takes less energy than going up. It is freer to step down without worrying about to fall, since the path is no longer dark. The amazing view is ready to take away your sight while going down. Moreover the chirping birds are accompanying your trip. The fresh air and cold breeze calm you down and give more relaxing mode.

Then after the sunrise view, would be nice for relaxing at the hot springs. The place can be reached from Penelokan village. Enjoy the warm water in the springs to relax your muscles after a few hours journey. Bath yourself while capturing the beauty of Batur lake. Your time would not be wasted here.  Another activity is also available here such as boating. You will be offered to take the boat’s trip for an affordable price at IDR 10.000,- up to IDR 20.000,- a full joy for a day trip and cannot be replaced by anything.

SUKAWATI MARKET

From the modern outlet, then we move to the traditional market for souvenirs. Traditional markets in Bali are associated with heat, crowded and squeeze. Well, the description is a hundred percent right. Sukawati market, located in Gianyar, Sukawati . The market opens since 1980 and many foreigners love this heaven since there are wide selections to pick. It feels like jumping into a big container of stuff you really want. Get some at a cheap price and do a little bargain for more fun. This is the centre of souvenirs product in Bali.

UBUD MARKET

Jump a little after Sukawati market to the centre of Ubud. The only one market in Ubud is Ubud market. Strategically located across the Ubud palace, the traditional market is crowed by tourists coming from all over the world. Everyday is another excitement for the vendors to offer their products. Bussed are lining up to contribute traffic jam around the market area. However, this doesn’t influence the willingness of the tourists to jump in and get involved in bargaining the stuff they want to take home. The market has almost all things you think of; started from dresses, bed cover, kitchen tools from coconut shell, silver products, linen, silk fabric, sculpture, leather products, etc. Bargaining is almost possible to be made to all vendors.

BADUNG MARKET

Located in the centre of Denpasar city, the market is always an eye catchy place to go. Get the latest souvenir products at the competitive price here. The products offer are no different from what available at Ubud market. Only the locations set the difference. The Badung market is not only has souvenirs to sell but also various items for kitchen tools and ceremonial items.

KRISHNA

Krishna is a big company with outlets around Bali area. This brand is owned by a Balinese named Gusti Ngurah Anom. Many souvenirs selection to choose and the price is cheap; such as: T-Shirt, handy craft, bed cover, bag, silver product, sculpture, Balinese woven cloth and others. The price range is from IDR 45.000,- up to IDR 150.000,-.

PIA LEGONG

Willing to try a bite of Indonesian snack? Here is the place for famous snack called Pia. Established in 1996 by Hentje, the selling has been raised up from year to year. The demand has been drastically increasing. The one and only outlet is By Pass Ngurah Rai is always flocked by tourists. Three flavors from Pia Legong can be tasted are the Mung bean Pia, Cheese Pia and Chocolate Pia. It depends on your flavor and favorite.

JOGER

Joger is a famous local clothing brand. It is well known for the words formation creativity. The clothing comes with the writing which is identically with funny words in Indonesian. The Indonesian owned company was established in 1981 in Kuta. The factory has been developed into a huge profit company in Bali. The outlet sells many items apart from T-Shirt such as accessories, sandals, mugs, key chains, clocks and wall papers. This place is always full of people especially tourists both domestic and international who wish to buy unique stuffs as their souvenirs for the beloved ones and friends. Going back a bit to the history of Joger, the outlet is owned by Mr. Joseph Theodorus Wuliandi. The name of Joger is taken from; “Jo” is taken from his first name (Joseph) and “ger” is taken from his friend’s name (Gerhard Seeger).

Last but not least, happy shopping for you when visiting Bali!

The audience is the temple’s worshippers in the village or the community which carries the ceremony. There are three important aspects in the play which are; Babarongan (mythology creatures in horrific appearances) represented by Barong Ket and Rangda, Pagambuhan (characters who build up the dialogue) represented by Condong, Putri, Patih Manis (Panji), Patih Keras (Pandung) and Palegongan (supporting characters for the dancers) represented by Sisiya-sisiya (students). Other important characters are Matah Gede (the character as Calon Arang).

The story is about a wicked widow lived in a small village, named Calon Arang. She was notoriously known as a black magic master who spread diseases and spelt over the crops to fail. She had a beautiful daughter called Ratna Manggali. Unlikely her mother, the girl had a good heart, however, nobody dared to marry her because of her mother. Knowing this, Calon Arang was furious then she created disease which killed many villagers.

The King at the time, King Airlangga, consulted Empu Bharadah to help him defeating Calon Arang. Empu Bharadah tasked the mission to his student, Empu Bahula, through marrying Ratna Manggali. It is easy for Empu Bahula to find out his mother in law weakness after the marriage. He found out that the weakness was in a black magic book kept by Calon Arang. Through the daughter, he got the place where the book was saved then he stole it to defeat Calon Arang. End of the story, Calon Arang was killed and the village got its peace again.

Moreover, the story develops during the Calon Arang play into more detail which takes 4 hours of performance. The play is started by some female dancers. Then followed by the rest of the characters to build up the climax. There are then some people dead during the play as the story goes because of the Calon Arang’s black magic.

Here the Hindu funeral procession is captured in more detail. The funeral procession is viewed from the very beginning, from washing the body, wrapping it with white fabric, giving it prayers and offering. The scene turns into a horrific preview when the body is wrapped in a white fabric followed by prayers that is chanted. During this stage, the horrible mythology creatures come out and circle the corpse. In Hindu these creatures represent negative energy or black magic creatures which are described to disturb people during rituals including the funeral. They are commonly embodied in animals form such as; monkey, dog, and cat or in other horrific form of evil. The corpse is carried by a group of supporting characters to the cemetery. The play then ends there at the cemetery, meanwhile the main enemy, Calon Arang on the stage is defeated by the heroic character, Empu Bharadah.

This Calonarang performance is considered as the sacred performance, which is only performed during Balinese rituals. On the other hand, as the tourism sector develops, the play is copied to be performed as an entertainment. It is to introduce foreigners how Calonarang is played and give them the general overview of the Balinese mythology. The duration is also shortened to enable tourists watch the whole play in a limited time.

There are many travel agents or hotels provide this cultural performance package. Live theatre is better to watch than watching through TV or online media. The feel will not be the same. Better be there and getting involved with the other audiences. Visiting Bali without watching this play would not be complete. Get more experience for the Balinese rituals and share this to your family and friends. There are more to explore on the island, but first step would be this Calonarang.

Then the whole traditional art concept before 1920s changed into modern style and the materials used also changed. In 1920, the Balinese art got the influenced by western artists came to Bali such as: Walter Spies (German), Rudolph Bonnet (Dutch), Adrien Jean Le Mayeur (Belgian), and Donald Friend (Australian). The painting’s materials turned into canvas to replace the cloth, wood or tree leaf. Ink and paint to give color were introduced during this period. The painting purposes also expanded into broader usage which was not only for religious, or ornament of the temples. Then the individual expression appeared amongst the Balinese artists. One of the remarkable new styles of The Modern Balinese art artist is I Gusti Nyoman Lempad. The painting style in Ubud was shifted into the daily life and drama. The remarkable point for the painting was the focus changed into single focus, and the composition which was only for temples ornament into for the western collectors.

After the period, modern traditional art were developed which is signaled by modern tools used such as ink and canvas. There are three sources of modern art in Bali which has different tastes and characteristics in terms of theme and presentation; they are Ubud, Sanur and Batuan. Ubud then becomes the centre of the Balinese art after the 1920s. Some areas there developed their own art crafts; for instances: Ubud and Batuan (Sukawati area) which are well known for their painting. The neighboring areas; Mas is famous for their woodcarving, Celuk for their gold and silver smith, while Batubulan for their stone carving.

The Modern Traditional Painting which was developed by three regions which are Ubud, Batuan and Sanur area were getting famous in the world. These three places had set the difference in theme and presentation. Ubud painting used human figure, Sanur painting featured erotic human figures and animals, Batuan painting was less colorful and had a tendency to be busier. There are some museums both local and international which show Balinese modern traditional paintings:

Asia: The Asian Art Museum – Fukuoka, Japan and Singapore National Art Museum

USA: American Museum of Natural History – New York, United Nations – New York, Duke University Museum – Durham

Indonesia: Museum Sana Budaya and Bentara Budaya – Jogjakarta, Museum Puri Lukisan , Agung Rai Museum of Art, Neka Museum and Museum Rudana – Ubud.Europe: Tropenmuseum – Amsterdam, The Ethnnographic Museum – Vienna (Austria), The Ethnographic Museum – Basel (Switzerland).

Australia: The National Gallery and the Australian Museum – Sydney.

Slowly then Balinese art has influenced by the Contemporary art nowadays. The art scene in Bali now has developed into Contemporary art. Many young artists have borne to be young contemporary artists. There are many places that developed specific arts which have different tastes and characteristics which differ from one place to another. The local artists are getting wild in expressing their ideas. They are not limited by the tradition anymore. Their ideas are now expanded into wide imagination.  In Bali, there are many emerging artists of contemporary art; such as Putu Sutawijaya, Chusin, Nyoman Wijaya, Sujana Kenyem, Teja Astawa.

Some existing galleries and museums that represent the Bali art scene nowadays are listed below:

Kendra Gallery. This beautiful art space is located in the heart of Seminyak, Kuta which is only 45 minutes from the international airport. This contemporary art gallery stands in the Uma Sapna Villa site area. The gallery itself is a part of the villas. This gallery has been known worldwide since it founded in June 2008. Kendra holds at least four to six exhibitions a year both from local artists and international ones. It aim is to support the young emerging artists as well as the established ones including young Balinese and Indonesian artists. They have several artworks from some Balinese young artists such as; Ketut Teja Astawa, Nyoman Wijaya, Chusin and Ida Bagus Putu Purwa.

Biasa Artspace. Supported by its clothing company, Biasa Artspace has made its own way to be well known in the art world and succeed to remain stronger since 2005. Biasa Artspace is a contemporary art gallery which also stands for supporting new emerging artists both locally and internationally. They now more work on art project recently with the emerging artists. They have made a break-through for Bali art scene.  The space can be found in Seminyak area, just next to Biasa clothing shop.

Tony Raka, a gallery in Ubud. The gallery usually holds exhibitions for local Balinese artists. They are also supporting the young Balinese artist to be known locally and internationally. They actively conduct exhibitions for the artists.

Sika Art Galleries. It is located in Ubud area which is holding at least three exhibitions in a year. The aim is to support Indonesian art. This gallery is founded by Sanggar Dewata Indonesia Artists Foundation.

There are many more places that keep the sources of Balinese art all over Bali. Discover more yourself when you visit the island. Enrich your knowledge while having your extra ordinary holiday and obtain great experiences which remain uncover for you to feel and discover.

The pre kuningan day or penampahan is the time to prepare the ceremony on the following day.  All houses normally prepare the offerings needed for the big day and foods for the family members. The works are usually divided between the family members. The women in the family take care of the offerings for the Kuningan day. They do all the preparations from cutting up the coconut leaves to form them into delicate form of offerings into the ceremony procession. The real purpose of the offerings made is for the reminders of the all mighty god and all gifts he gives to the human beings. Each offering has its own symbol; such as the penjor displayed at the front gate of the locals’ houses symbolizes the prosperity. The offerings made are the way Balinese gratitude to the all mighty God.

Meanwhile the men prepare for the foods. Usually here, men are making traditional cooking such as lawar, a mixture of vegetables with meat and spices. They also make the Penjor, Bamboo banner decorated with coconut leaves or other heavy duties; such as slaughtering chickens for the offering, or climbing up coconut trees for the leaves and the fruits.

Then the activity begins early in the morning on the following day which is the big day, Kuningan.  Bali scene shifts into a deep spirituality and religious mode for a sacred day. The whole Bali areas are so colorful that day coming out from many varied offerings made by the households, penjors, the cloths wrapped up the temple’s shrines, and the locals in their Balinese traditional outfits. These all colors bring up the festivity of the Holliday apart from the religious side. The incense scent spreads from each house lining up or everywhere your eyes can see. The scent creates the atmosphere of worshipping. This is the time for all locals to pray at their family temples as well as their village temple.  The prayers are for the God and the ancestors which are believed to come down to earth to visit their family members who are still alive. It is also believed that the time limit to pray during Kuningan day is up to 12 am.  After the time, the ancestors are leaving the earth. The whole family members pray for the guidance, prosperity, health, long live and all positivity for their lives.

Some processions at the village temple also take part during this ceremony. It is flocked by the worshipers. Some people come all the way from the city to gather up with family and to pray together at the family the village temple. The temple’s field will be full of some men’s crowed for a cock fighting as apart of the ceremony procession. The cock fighting takes place at the temple is not considered as gambling as what is commonly exposed. There is no bet. It is purely done for the ceremony or as a form of sacrifice. The meat of lost roosters will be equally divided then the men can take home for family feed.

Then the next day is the post Kuningan day or Manis Kuningan. The time for sight seeing and meet extended family members or neighbors. The family comes to see each other, gathers up for sharing information, talk and maintain the intimacy. During the visits, that the visitors should eat the food and drink prepared by the host or the house owners. It is considered to be rude if the visitors do not eat or drink or try the food and drinks given. This is the Balinese hospitality where the host offers and prepares the Food & Beverage to respect the visitors. They give the best that they can and have. Sometimes, they would not eat the same food or drink the beverages they offer to the guest since they prepare them for the visitors. On the other hand, other families share their food and beverages from the kitchen all the same with the visitors. There is also special food, which is made for this day, called tape or fermented sticky rice. The taste is sweet and best eaten with traditional rice cake. Sometimes it is accompanied with coffee during family conversation. Some people have another option to maximize their togetherness. They would go for sight seeing to some object of attractions to spend quality time with family since most of the time they have been busy with work and hardly have time together.

The essence of this Kuningan day is to show our gratitude to God for what we have enjoyed with family, to keep good memory of our passed away ancestors, to stay on the right tract for happiness, to maintain the good relationships between humans, environment and God which all are in the Tri Hita Karana or Three Relationships. These three relationships have been the Hindu’s essences of life, which are performed in all aspects daily. (Kus)

Usually, men who do the slaughtering pigs, whereas mothers offering for the next day. Activities performed in the early hours of slaughter and further process the pork and various spices seasonings to be processed into a wide variety of foods, from pork roll, fried, lawar and pork satay. In the afternoon, there will be lots of ornaments made of palm leaves on a long bamboo pole is then erected in front of the house. The decoration is called Penjor. Assorted decorations enliven the atmosphere of Galungan. Mothers are usually busy arranging fruit and assorted forms of ritual tool called jejahitan. Skilled hands of the balinese women takes each leaf pieces to assemble a unique decoration that has a profound philosophy about life and how religion is implemented in a form that reflects sacred between cultures and religions in Bali.

The next day, on Galungan will be seen many women carrying various types of offerings. Offerings are intended for the gods in the family temple. The event will begin in the morning and at noon a lot of people will visit the temple in Bali to pray. Hindus of various regions will visit several temples on this day. People crowded the urge to go and pray at the temple that they are headed. Mothers bringing offerings, the father took his son who was dressed neatly and sometimes funny. Not just about praying happened on this day, it is also where the family would get together, have fun, and tell stories.

The next day more people will visit the temple. But for those who have done praying, today is day for day trips with the family. Nature tourism, culinary tourism, and shopping mall will be increased. The parents will bring their children for the holiday home.

Hindu tradition performed during the celebration of Galungan day was quite interesting.

A two day musical, cultural and gastronomical bonanza, and as Bali’s most anticipated Jazz event of the year, the Jazz Market by the Sea comprises  jam sessions by established jazz musicians and talented performers from Bali and beyond, complemented with a vibrant market place ambience. Lining up for the performance are some of Indonesia’s finest Jazz musicians and more including:  Balawan, Syaharani, Gugun Blues Shelter, Brian Batie & Friends, Krisna& The Elter Ego, BAIO, Savana Zapoiya, Khatulistiwa, Lisa Soul, The Hydrant, The Widi Noor Fusion, and many more.

Jazz Market by the Sea provides a much needed stage for up and coming Indonesian talents in the less mainstream music of jazz, fusion, world beats and improvised styles.  Through this event, artists and musicians may showcase their musical expressions to a wider audience in Bali – both residents and visitors to Bali.

The event also acts as a dedicated music coaching area, initiated by respective bands and music schools, aimed to promote musical awareness and acts as a catalyst to develop the regeneration of Indonesian musicians.

The Market concept is inspired by traditional ‘pasar seni’ in Bali, where the local community comes together in a colorful market festival, full of hustle and bustle and bargaining opportunities. Here visitors will gain insight into the real culture of Bali. Adding festivity to this event is a multitude of market stalls, featuring stroll-around traditional cuisine, beverages, handicrafts, amusements and activities for children, including train rides, pony rides and even a mini zoo.

Adding to the natural and cultural enchantment of the event is the ambience of Taman Bhagawan, the latest exclusive international meetings and events venue at Tanjung Benoa, Bali. Sitting on 1.8-hectare land and characterized by amazing gardens and landscaping, the area is spread out on 100 feet of white sandy beach of Tanjung Benoa, north of Nusa Dua. It can be reached in 20 minutes from the Ngurah Rai International Airport and is only about 5 minutes drive from the Nusa Dua resort complex.

So, get ready! Come to Bali and join 2,000 other visitors to enjoy the excitement wrapped in a vibrant market ambience, set on the beautiful shores of Tanjung Benoa.

Crystal clear water and white sandy beach makes Nusa Dua a perfect spot for luxurious resorts and hotels to which your exhausted bodies will want to rest. Some of the most sumptuous and luxurious hotels in the world find their home in Nusa Dua Bali. You can relax in a spa after a day of surfing or diving. Or you can tee off into the sunset, while watching the gentle waves come from the blue sea and caress the banks surrounding the luscious greens. Tranquil swimming pools under the coconut trees seem to be one with the distant blue sea. Art galleries and numerous shops surround.

Nusa Dua is the name of the peninsula that extends off the southern tip of the island of Bali, and it’s also the name of the island’s major international resort area on that peninsula. This area was specifically created during the 1980s to house high-end resorts and conference centers, and as a way of showcasing Indonesia in general.

The resort area is similarly as beautiful as much of the rest of the island, but in most way it’s quite the opposite of everything else. Much of Bali’s infrastructure and all of its charm were already firmly in place when tourist began discovering it in earnest in the early 1970s. So as the tourism boom gained momentum in the traditional cities and towns, and particularly concentrated in the Kuta or Legian area, the scene always reflected local sensibilities and the unique culture of the island. But Nusa Dua was purpose-built from the ground up to be exactly what it is, so in some ways it has more in common with modern-day Las Vegas or Macau than it does with the rest of Bali.

The roads in the area are new and well maintained, and there’s even security system on the entrance gate you must pass through in order to reach the resorts section. All resorts and hotel in this area also has their own security system.

Should you stay in Nusa Dua?

The answer to this question will have more to do with your budget and your goals than anything else. Places tend to be far more expensive than elsewhere, but these truly are international 5-star hotels with no corners cut. On most of the rest of the island even the nicer places tend to be more casual and not as “professional” (for better or worse).

If you are coming for a honeymoon or some other special occasion, then Nusa Dua might be the ideal place. It really does have that tropical paradise dream-like feeling to it, even though there are those that criticize anyone wanting to stay in this exclusive area. But with this in mind, if you do choose to stay in Nusa Dua you’ll be cheating yourself in a huge way if you don’t explore other parts of the island. You might say that Nusa Dua is like the most expensive restaurant in Europe.

If you stay in Nusa Dua you can skip the grungy surf and nightlife city of Kuta, but you should absolutely plan at least a day trip to the inland arts village of Ubud. You can arrange an excursion there from Nusa Dua, and you should try to do it as early in your stay as possible because it may inspire you to see other worthwhile parts of Bali before you leave.

Where to stay in Nusa Dua

As mentioned above, the area is mostly a collection of resort hotels that range from nice to world-class. Don’t expect to find a budget hotel in this area, and if you are on a tight budget this is the worst part of the island to visit anyway. Accommodations in Bali tend to be generally affordable, with the exception of Nusa Dua.

Getting to Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is about 10 kilometers from the Bali International Airport. You can rent a car at the airport and drive in about 20 minutes, but hiring your own driver and van for island sightseeing may cost even less, believe it or not, and that way you don’t pay for a rental car on the days you plan on staying in Nusa Dua.

A taxi to or from the airport will cost under US$20 each way and will take around 20 minutes as well. You can prepay for a taxi at a special counter at the airport, which actually costs just a bit more than if you pay the driver, but at least you know you won’t be taken the long way and charged even more.

The temple is inhabited by large number of monkeys, who are extremely adept at snatching visitors’ belonging, including bags, cameras and eyeglasses. Keep a very close grip on all your belongings and stow away your eyeglasses if at all possible. If you do have something taken, the monkeys can usually be induced to exchange it for some fruit. Needless to say, rewarding the monkeys like this only encourages them to steal more.

There is also a very scenic Uluwatu cave with rock formations leading into a beach close to the temple. This is a popular spot for surfers. Uluwatu is a very well known destination among surfing enthusiasts. Most of the surf spots are only suitable for advanced or expert surfers though – the waves are big here.

Please don’t forget to see Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple. A Kecak performance is very simple but spectacular traditional dance with the group of people playing this dance with fire game. It is very exciting and unique dance due to the sound of gamelan is not using the normal gamelan but use their mouth. The dancers make the compact choir with the exquisite dance movement that is one of this dance features. The Kecak dances consist of about fifty men wearing only a loincloth, the upper part of their bodies left bare. They form rows of circles, in teh middle of which is a coconut oil lamp. The Kecak dance is performed for dance-dramas and the story presented is taking from the Ramayana epic.

History

Officially known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu (yes, that’s the real name: “Luhur” means “something of divine origin” while “Uluwatu” can be broken into “ulu” which means “land’s end” and “watu” means “rock” in the old language). Nonetheless, merely mentioning Uluwatu will get you here in no time.

Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali’s nine key directional temples. Though a small temple was existed beforehand, A Javanese sage named Mpu Kuturan in the 11th Century, expanded the structure significantly. Another sage from East Java, Dang Hyang Nirartha is credited for constructing the Padmasana shrines and is claimed to have attained Moksha here.

Even more remarkable than the temple itself is its location, perched on a steep cliff 80 meters above the roaring Indian ocean waves. There are more steep headlands on either side and sunsets over Uluwatu are a sight to behold.