Taman Ayun temple was the royal temple of Mengwi Kingdom that survived until 1891 when it was conquered by the neighboring kingdoms of Tabanan and Badung. The name Taman Ayun means beautiful garden. This temple was built by the King of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Anom in 1634. The date of construction is expressed on a carved door with chronogram reads ‘Sad Bhuta Yaksa Dewa‘ means 1634 AD. The temple has been renovated in 1949 and in 1972 all black fiber roofs were renewed, the last in 1976 was built the pavilion tower called ‘Bale Kulkul‘.

The Taman Ayun temple is the second largest temple in Bali, covering an area of 250 x 100 square meters. The temple is built on a high tableland that is partly surrounded by ponds, creating an impression that the temple is foating on the water. The temple is surrounded by a massive moat that looks lovely and is divided into 4 courtyards each courtyard situated on a spacious rising level.

(more…)

Holy Water is an indispensable part of Balinese Hinduism; the importance of Holy Water is shown by the older generation of Balinese who still calls the Balinese Hinduism as ‘Agama Tirtha‘, (the religion of Holy Water). No ceremony in Balinese Hinduism can be called perfect or finish without the presence of Holy Water. If a Balinese cannot attend a temple ceremony or other kind of ceremony, he simply asks for Holy Water that is obtained from the temple where the ceremony is held or the Holy Water that is distributed in other kind of ceremony.

Obtaining Holy Water is an obligatory part of every ceremony in Bali. For a small ceremony in a household compound, the Holy Water is usually obtained from a high priest, for a bigger ceremony in a household compound the Holy Water is usually obtained from the nearby Holy spring (beji). For a small ceremony in a temple, the Holy Water is usually obtained from the nearby Holy spring (beji) but for a bigger ceremony, it is obtained from the sea. For a grand ceremony such as Eka Dasa Rudra (centennial purification of the universe), the Holy Water is not just obtained from the sea but also from the Mount Semeru in East Java and Mount Rinjani in Lombok.

(more…)

Passionate Valentine’s Package

This valentine’s, celebrate the magic that brought you together and enjoy the pleasure of each other’s company in a romantic retreat. spend this precious moment with your loved one at the gangsa, where you’ll discover the harmony of life…

Resplendent of traditional community the gangsa, Sanur Bali is composed of 11 private villas, each spaciously appointed, secluded within a charming landscaped compound highlighted by a personal swimming pool and Balinese lounging pavilion that exposes the delights of tropical outdoor living.

(more…)

Tirtagangga Water Garden is situated in the middle of rice fields around the natural springs of Rejasa, at Ababi village, Karangasem regency. It is about 83 km from Denpasar and 6 km from Amlapura to the north. Tirtagangga water gardens are composed mainly by water, gardens and sculptures. The name of this water garden comes from Tirta (holy water) and Gangga (Ganges). The late King of Karangasem, Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem, built Tirtagangga water garden in 1948.

tirtagangga.nl

This water garden was constructed in a unique mixture of Balinese, European, and Chinese architecture. Much of the structure of the palace was destroyed by the volcanic eruption of Gunung Agung in 1963; however, the famous bathing pools remain intact. The renovation of this beautiful water garden was initiated by the royal family of Karangasem and supported by the local government. By the end of 1985, the upper swimming pool was rehabilitated. Little by little, the water garden is coming into a better shape. Nowadays Tirtagangga is an important tourism destination in east Bali.

(more…)

Both Spain and Bali have rich cultures, a colorful history, and are popular with international tourists. But the imagery is quite different given one is a tropical island in SE Asia, the other a Southern European peninsula.

A short history:

Why didn’t Spain figure into the history of Bali, or did it? The royalty of Spain supported Columbus in searching for the Spice Islands (1492) at time that the Moors had been pushed out of Southern Spain, but Columbus, looking for the East Indies, ran into the unknown Americas (West Indies). But, then the Spanish could use South American silver to trade with the Chinese for spices, in Manila Bay, Philippines [the spices were trans-shipped across the Pacific Ocean to ports in Mexico, then onto Spain by large Galleon sailing ships].

(more…)

Today, Balinese celebrate a holyday for musical instrument. Musical instruments are sacred items for the Balinese, and a special day, known as Tumpek Krulut is dedicated for all musical instruments, mask, and other tool for art performances that are used in the numerous religious ceremonies in Bali. The Tumpek Krulut takes its name from the name of week of its occasion. It is celebrated every 210 days, in the 17^th week of Balinese Pawukon cycle (a cycle consist of 30 weeks).

On this special day, offerings are given to pay homage to the musical instruments, masks, and dance costumes. The instruments and other paraphernalia are cleaned, decorated with young coconut leaf offerings, given a special set of offering and sprinkled with holy water. The members of the group that use the instruments, costumes and masks, pray together and ask a blessing from the God.

(more…)