We were surprised; we have seen Rejang dance before in other areas of Bali, we expected to see the slow and elegance movement of Rejang, smooth movements of the feet combine with hands movements as soft as caressing breeze. But this Rejang was an exception; the dancers just stood in lines and played idly with their sashes. Pak Mangku told us that the movements of this Rejang consist of holding, lifting and dropping the sash that is wrapped around the dancer hips with the left hand. So there were movements but the moved sporadically, it was looked like the dancers were playing with their sashes. My boss told me that we always have to expect the unexpected in Tenganan, even for a Balinese.

More Rejang

Shadow puppet is one of Balinese art performance that undergoes great changes in many ways only in the course of twenty years. Out of hundreds shadow puppeteers all over the island only some of them adopt the changes, some of them adopt only few changes and some remain with traditional style.

The significant changes that are adopted by the modern shadow puppet are mainly in the lighting, musical accompaniment, characters of the puppet, and content of the story.

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Today, 27/02/08 Balinese celebrated the end of Galungan period, the end of a period that full of holidays and festivity, which is well known as Pegatwakan (“pegatwakan” is derived from the word “pegat” means “cut off” and the word “wak” means “words” or “promise”). This holiday is celebrated 35 days after Galungan holiday and occurs once every 210 days.

Though this holiday is important and the amount of offering that is presented to the God is quite equal with Galungan Holiday (Balinese Christmas), it is celebrated with a level of festivity or pomposity far below the Galungan. It seems that only the housewives celebrate this holiday. Early in the morning they come to the temple with trays of offerings while their husband go to work as usual.

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Daun, meaning leaf, is the child of mother nature bringing freshness, and shelter. Secretly situated in the very heart of Kuta, Villa de daun is easily accessible yet offers surprisingly secure privacy. Surrounded by infinite choices of entertainment, shopping and dining experiences, Villa de daun completes the day with simple elegance and relaxing sensation.

Well design in Balinese architecture with private swimming pool, private kitchen and living room for your convenience, reflected the Balinese finest artistic tradition which will make your stay unforgettable one. It’s a perfect Villa featuring a large size bedroom with Balinese style bedding for your utmost convenience. Villa de daun consist of three villas with 3 bedrooms consist of king size bed and four villas with 1 bedroom, all villa is provided with a private kitchen, private living room and swimming pool.

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As the sun sets and darkness replaces the illumination of the sunlight, night makes its way to the earth. “Night” is a phenomenon that all nations in the world have their own point of view, including Balinese. Balinese has their perspective on dealing with night. However, this perspective has greatly changed in the course 50 years due to modernization and tourism.

Title: The Dagger Attack On Rangda, Artist: I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, Media: Ink and tempera on papper, Size: 24 x 33 cm, Year: 1939s, Courtesy: Neka Art Museum.

In the bygone days, night was considered as the time for supernatural beings, malignant spirits, bhuta kala, leak (witch) filled the darkness of the night. The older generation of Balinese see the night as a dangerous time for traveling outside the house compound, though the gamelan at that time was held in the evening but it never lasted until late at night.

What made the night so frightful in those days? Leak (witch) was the answer. Malignant spirits and bhuta kala are believed to be ferocious at dusk and the night is the time for the witches to exercise their magic and fighting among them. My mother and grandmother still can recall the night they watch a leak fight, though all they can see at that time is the collision of two balls of fire. (Covarrubias also gives an account of leak fight in Denpasar in his book “The Island of Bali”. Leak at that time also credited for harassing people who dared to go out during the nighttime.

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Villa Danny is set in tropical grounds at Jimbaran, rich in Balinese flora and fauna. Villa Danny completed with private plunge pool and traditional Balinese ‘Alang Alang’ (thatched grass) roof rest / dining ‘Bale’ (pavilion). The Villa Danny rooms and grounds of this quality villa enjoy sweeping, unobstructed views of Jimbaran Bay Bali below.

Villa Danny services and facilities includes:
• A full compliment of staff (1 cook, 3 butlers / maids, 1 gardener / housekeeper, 1 driver) plus 24 hour security • American breakfasts are included, and the cook will shop for guests at local market rates and prepare other required meals • Car and driver available for rental • Fresh daily fruit and flowers • Garden candlelit dinner service • Air conditioning in the main lounge area and all 4 bedrooms • Open living area / balcony with impressive sea views • Quality Balinese decorations, such as intricately carved wooded swing doors throughout • Western standard kitchen • Baby sitting service can be arranged • A full range of cultural, shopping, sporting and recreational tours (pick up from your door) can be arranged • IDD telephones, lap top hook up and fast Internet connection available • Marble floors throughout.

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