Early in 20^th century many new forms of dance and drama were introduced as a result of the introduction of modern elements to Balinese dance and drama. Among the successful new forms of dance and drama, Prembon is considered to be sum of all dance-drama of Bali. This new form of drama is a combination of previously separate dance and drama genres, a hybrid and composite form of Balinese dance and drama.

Prembon dance drama. Photo courtesy http://www.gsj.org/

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Candidasa, the Ten Temples, refers to numerous hillside shrines overlooking the beautiful coast of East Bali. Enjoy this peaceful setting at the Candi Beach Cottage. Our friendly staff will make your holiday relaxing and memorable.

Located on Mendire Beach, Candi Beach Cottages is set amidst swaying palm trees. Gentle sea breezes provide a welcome oasis for enjoying scenic views of neighboring islands.

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One day a Gecko went to the Village chief and complained: “Oh, sir, can you help me? Will you speak to the Firefly? He keeps me awake all night….flashing his light in my eyes.”

Now, the Village chief, who liked to sound important, said: “I will look into this matter. Come back one week from today for my answer.”

The Village chief called the Firefly and asked, quite kindly: “tell me, why you have to worry people by flashing your light?”

And the Firefly, who was a very humble little fellow, put out his torch, folded his wings and said:
Oh might sire, I am only passing on the massage. I hear the Woodpecker going tong-tong-tong on the tree trunk –and I think it must be a kul-kul warning the village to awake.
Then the Village chief, anxious to get to then bottom of all this, called the Woodpecker: What do you mean, causing all this trouble?’’

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If you happen to stay or visit Ubud right now or plan to take a trip to Ubud, don’t forget to include Ibu Oka’s Suckling Pig to your places-to-eat list. Why?

flickr.com/photos/-rydphkrm-/

Here are the reasons:

Chubby Hubby in chubbyhubby.net wrote:
Ibu Oka is a small, slightly dingy open-air restaurant located smack in the middle of Ubud town. You have to go early (ideally around 1030am), firstly to avoid the queues, but also (and more importantly) to ensure that you won’t arrive only to be told that they are sold out (the restaurant only prepares a couple each day). While there are a few variations, order the “pisah”, which translates to a plate full of everything: soft, succulent meat, crispy skin, deep-fried intestines, more pork meat mixed with spices, and a chilli-vegetable relish. This is served with rice. Order your meal, take off your shoes and head into the dining area. Sit on the floor and dig into one of the most transcendental food experiences of your life; it really is an almost religious experience.

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Ngaben is always translated into “cremation ceremony” in English, but unfortunately not all cremation ceremonies in Bali can be categorized as ngaben. There are two types of cremation ceremonies in Bali, Ngaben and Mekingsan ring Geni (buried or left in the fire) with the main differences lie on the offerings and paraphernalias which are used and the function of the ceremony.

A Ngaben ceremony can be done in a modest to extravagant way, a modest ngaben needs a few basic offerings and preparations; while the extravagant ngaben will involve massive offerings, cremation tower, cow sarcophagi (befitting the caste of the deceased), gamelan orchestra and hundreds of manpower; while Mekingsan ring Geni (buried in the fire) is always a simple affair regardless the caste of the deceased, with only a few offerings, few manpower and little preparations.

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In May 2006 Ann Bouwma and I stayed at the Lion Villa, one of the Tirta Ayu Villas in Tirtagangga. The beautiful gardens and lovely Balinese people gave us a sense of belonging. When Dr. A.A. Made Djelantik was spending one weekend at his countryhouse, we were granted the opportunity to meet him. Ann had read his book The Birthmark earlier that year and was anxious to meet the writer of this valuable document. We had never met Dr. Djelantik before. Nevertheless his welcome to his house was heartwarming. A moment never to forget.

Back in Amsterdam we decided to make an article about the Watergardens of Tirtaggangga and Ujung (http://blog.baliwww.com/guides/682/) and Ann included memories of her conversation with Dr. Djelantik. Among my images of the Watergardens was also the portrait I took of him, standing before the stone carvings that tell his lifestory. For both of us it was a very uplifting experience to meet Dr. A.A. Made Djelantik. May his kindness and wisdom be an inspiration to us all.

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