There was once a widow by the name of Men Bekung. She lived at the edge of ahuge jungle. She collected firewood in the jungle. It was said that she found a little child. As the little child’s skin was fair and the face was round, she was given a name Bulan Kuning (Yellow Moon).

One day Bulan Kuning was taken to the jungle by her adopted mother while collecting firewood. In the jungle Bulan Kuning was, unknowingly, separated from her mother. She was very confused and frightened. All of a sudden, she was caught by a female giant, Ni Raksasi. Bulan Kuning trembled as she was very scared. Although the catcher was giant, Bulan Kuning was very much loved by her.

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“The roads are particularly infested with miserable dogs, the scavenger of the island. Most dogs are attached to the house they protect and keep clean the garbage, but they reproduce unchecked and there are thousands homeless living skeletons, covered with ulcers and mange, that bark and wail all night in great choruses. The Balinese are not disturbed by them and sleep perfectly through the hideous noise. The curs are supposed to frighten away witches and evil spirits, but I could never discover how our neighbors knew when it was an ordinary mortal and not the devil that the dog barked at; they always awoke when a stranger came into the house at night. Such dogs were undoubtedly provided by the gods to keep Bali from perfection.”

This passage was taken from Covarrubias’s Bali; it provides an image of Balinese dogs in 1930s. Though this image is no longer relevant for nowadays situation, but some part of the image can still be found in the rural areas of Bali. Back on the village streets the dogs still roam freely, still serve as the scavengers, still bark and wail all night in great choruses but the numbers are greatly reduced from thousands to dozens and only very few of them can be categorized as “homeless living skeletons, covered with ulcers and mange”.

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Bali is unique in every aspect, combining natural scenic beauty, magnificent temples and graceful Balinese living in mystical cultures and traditions.

Kuta Beach, Bali most famous beach, known as a surfers paradise and the center of good and shopping, is well known throughout the world by young and old.

Whether you come alone or with your family and friends, everyone of us at Bakungsari cottage want you to feel at home. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. In Bali it is our tradition to welcome our family. Make it your home, and you are closer to the heart of Bali, the island of the Gods.

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To find high quality wood carving in Bali you have to go to Gianyar regency, especially in the village of Mas, and Kemenuh. There are two main types of woodcarving. Traditional carving, in the form of bas-relief tableaux and plaques, are used mainly as decoration for doors, walls and columns and small highly standardized wooden statues od deities and mythical heroes also belong to this group. The second one is contemporary carving. The theme usually highly stylized human and animal figures, often grotesque and psychopathic.

When you buy a wood carving, it is better to dress casually, prosperous looking buyer will get higher price and don’t forget and don’t be shy to bargain, when a reasonable price is reached, buy it. Fixed price created for those who have no time to bargain. Study the item carefully before you buy it. Make sure the artwork is dry (free from moisture). If not, it will crack and mould later.Check for the crack and make sure all attached parts like wings, hands, feet are properly attached. Have the carver explain any discoloration.

Beware of imitation; if a seller claims that an item is made of pure sandalwood or ebony, there is likely a chance that his claim is 90% false, for sandalwood is hard to find and the price of ebony for carving material is extraordinary high. If you can, find a carving that possesses an inner life, a vitality of its own.

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Come and relax in the tropical speldor of the Besakih Beach Resort. Set amongst beautifully manicured garden 80 attractive Balinese Bungalows offer the ideal setting for you to enjoy the delights of the Bali coastline.

Each Besakih Beach Resort bungalow is a harmonious combination of the old and the new : a mixture of traditional Balinese architecture and modern facilities including air conditioning, satellite television and private terrace or verandah.

Relax in Besakih Beach Resort two open air swimming pools and spa bath or, for the more energetic, we provide a full range of other water sport activities. Enjoy daily live entertainment in Besakih Beach Resort two restaurants. The Nirvana Restaurant, located right on the beach, specializes in fresh seafood dishes and offers and extensive menu of European and Indonesian cuisine, whilst the 24 hours Agung Bar / Restaurant serves delicious grilled food and BBQs. wice weekly Besakih Beach Resort organize a magnificent Buffet Dines accompanied by a traditional Balinese Dance performance

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Laos is one of the best bargains in Southeast Asia—and that’s saying something, since most countries there are relatively cheap for travelers. Because tourism is only beginning to make inroads in Laos, visitors are not seen as mere revenue streams; locals extend a warm and genuine welcome. You can find an inexpensive guesthouse for less than $20 a night; open-air cafes along the Mekong River offer absurdly cheap French and Lao specialties.

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