I Durma, Balinese hero, was a son of Rajapala (a mankind) and Ken Sulasih (angel). When he was a baby, his father sent him to become a servant in king’s palace, and his mother already left him to heaven.

Although as an orphan, I Durma did not have a less confidence, he grown up as a smart and handsome boy. He was honest and just even the king loved him so much.

One day, he heard that his father still alive and stayed in the jungle as a holy man. This newly found fact made him eager to meet his father. He asked a permit to the King to start a journey to find his father, but the king did not allowed him to go because he was too young. I Durma convince the king that he could handle the journey and promised to come back as soon as he met his father.
(more…)

In Bali, becoming blacksmiths is not a matter of skill. Although you can learn how to make a steel implement, you cannot be called a blacksmith. The only way to become a blacksmiths is to be born in a Pande family.

The smiths in Bali are called, generally, pande, the most influential among them being blacksmiths: pande wesi, or pande besi. The historical importance of their craft, particularly in the shaping of the magically charged and (unfortunately) very practical kris daggers, gave this group of low caste artisans a status that seemed to fall outside the usual dictates of caste. The Pande is a small, but very tightly knit clan group in Bali. Although the Pande clan did not exist, even in the earliest days the pande has considerable political power, including the right to seat representatives on the governing bodies of the desa (village). To maintain their position of prestige, the smiths kept their techniques secret and saw it in that marriage would take place only within their own professional group. And today, this clan is still fiercely proud, the most conservative in its ranks refusing the religious authority of the Brahmana priest - some, claiming ancestry preceding Hinduism, even creating a sort of hybrid religion of their own.

(more…)

Saturday, March 24, 2007, Balinese-Hindu follower will celebrate the sacred Tumpek Wayang day. The Tumpek Wayang takes its name from the name of week of its occasion. It is celebrated every 210 days, in the 27^th week of Balinese Pawukon cycle (a cycle consist of 30 weeks).

(more…)

Photos of Tawur Kesanga ceremony at Puputan square in Denpasar, Sunday, March 18, 2007.

A day prior to Nyepi, or Balinese New Year, the great Tawur Kesanga ritual is held all over Bali.

(more…)

THE BALÉ Upgrades Facilities and Launches It’s Newly Built Golf View Deluxe Pavilions.

The Balé, a Lifestyle Retreat and Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World is currently undergoing a selective upgrade of its facilities and expansion of 9 newly built deluxe single pavilions which will be completed by May 2007. This chic boutique retreat, featuring modern minimalist design with a tasteful touch of Indonesian décor is already one of the island’s favorite hangout properties.

(more…)

JAKARTA - According to Jero Wacik, Indonesia’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, during the ITB, the increased funds for Indonesia’s tourism will officially be announced by early April at the same time than the new representative offices around the world.

The 12 planned offices are part of a new strategy to revive Indonesia’s tourism fortunes and increase the number of visitors to six million this year and seven million in 2008. “ In Europe we still did not decide where we will have our first locations between Germany, the UK or Brussels”, explains Wacik.

Last year, European tourists to Indonesia reached 783,600 arrivals and officials from tourism expect this year to welcome up to 800,000 visitors.

German Tour Operators already announced during the ITB strong booking for the coming months to Bali.

source : http://www.travelweeklyweb.com/