A.A Gde Agung National Hero

Source Bali Post January 22, 2008

Governor Bali, Dewa Beratha, never recommends title national hero to Late Dr. A.A. Gde Agung. There is something wrong in recommendation prosses that comes from outside Bali. Furthermore, there should be also a verification of recommendation before the title officially granted.

Seen on picture Dewa Beratha is in the middle together with Legiun Veteran Bali and PPM Bali displaying a banner mentioned “Reject Dr. Anak Agung Gde Agung (Former King of Gianyar & Prime Minister East state of Indonesia) as National Hero”.

They urge Governor to set up a recommendation to President in order to revoke that title.

Reference: Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung

Galungan, a Christmas for Balinese will soon come. And if you happen to visit Bali on Galungan day you will be hailed by thousands of Penjor along the roadside all over of Bali.

What is Penjor? Penjor is made from a long bamboo pole about eight meter high with curved end, and decorated with palm leaves, rice paddies, corn on the cob, coconut, cakes, a piece of white or yellow cloth, etc. It is the symbol of Mount Agung and also as gratitude for the agricultural produce. The arched top of the bamboo pole represents Mount Agung, the body of the pole is a river that flows from the mountains to the sea, and along its route are the products of the harvest, tied to the pole.

(more…)

The following Penyekeban is Penyajaan Galungan, here is previous article:

Penyajaan Galungan for Balinese is always a day full of cookies, Bali is covered with cookies. As its name suggest, the words “penyajaan” is derived from the word “jaja” which means “cookies. Various fried rice dough cookies are made for offering on Galungan (the day of victory). The creativity and patience of Balinese women are put into test when making these cookies since they usually have intricate pattern with different shapes and colors. Heaps of cookies are everywhere, in traditional markets, in roadside stalls and of course every house compound is filled with half processed cookies.

(more…)

Villa Mawar is a heaven for those in search of total privacy. Set in Seminyak area, Villa Mawar is only 20 minutes from the Bali ’s International airport, just within a walking distance to the restaurants and bars, and a couple minutes to the fabulous Petitenget sunset beach. Villa Mawar display the fascinating dream home with private swimming pool encircled with private garden. The well-designed bedrooms completed with ensuite bathrooms and TV, while the housekeeping service and 24 hours security are attentive for guests’ total pleasure and safety.

Villa Mawar features 2 detached bungalows with ensuite Balinese open bathrooms and satellite TV. The 2-bedroom villa can proportionally accommodate 4 people within, while the private swimming pool and private garden attached in this perfect dream home.

(more…)

Today, Redite Paing Dungulan, is the day of Panyekeban Galungan, According to Gregorian calendar falls on January 20, 2008. Here is previous article’s featuring that event:

Galungan, a Balinese celebration to commemorate the victory of Dharma (virtue) over Adharma (evil) will be celebrated on November 29^th. But there is always a battle precede the celebration of victory. The peak of battle between Dharma against Adharma begin three days before Galungan, on Sunday Paing wuku Dunggulan (based on traditional Pawukon cycle calendar). This day is called Penyekeban by Balinese. The word “penyekeban” derived from the word “sekeb” which means “to cover up,” this word signifies the nature of enclosure or restraint. Balinese believe that on this day, the avant garde of evil, Kala-tiganing Galungan (three personifications of negative force which are Bhuta Galungan, Bhuta Dunggulan and Bhuta Amangkurat) come to the world.

As mentioned by the Holy Scripture, they are the symbol of Sad Ripu (six internal enemies, they are: kama (lust), loba (greed), krodha (anger), mada (drunkeness), moha (confusion). In this case the battle is not a physical battle but a battle against our own negative qualities. Sundarigama a sacred Balinese scripture describes this day as “den prayitna anjekung jnana nirmala, lamakane den kasurupan” which means “the day for self restrain in order not to be influenced by the evil force”. Penyekeban day for Balinese is always a day for cultivating self restraint (as the name of this day suggest) since it is an essential weapon for fighting the Adharma.

(more…)

Novotel Mangga Dua Jakarta is located in the prominent northern district of Jakarta, well known as a business, shopping and entertainment area. The hotel is just 30 minutes drive from the international airport and features a trendy design with contemporary asian decor, a swimming pool, bar and restaurant.

Lounge Bar, an intimate and friendly bar, serving a wide range of cocktails and mocktails. The Square offers Asian and international cusine. Both buffet and a la carte are available. Novotel Mangga Dua Jakarta rooms provide modern comfort, a unique feeling of spaciousness and contemporary decor for both business and leisure travel.

(more…)