Keeping alive the art and culture of Bali is not only the responsibility of the government, though government has programs to preserve the cultural heritages. Balinese youth have their own way in participating and supporting those programs.

Commemorating the Denpasar’s 16th anniversary, some Balinese youths who are affiliated to the KMHDI (Hindu’s youth association) held a ‘dokar’ festival on Saturday (February 23th 2008) at Puputan, Denpasar. ‘But before we proceed “what is a “Dokar” anyway? Horse cart or Dokar is fairly simple structure that is created from timber upon a metal base with two large wagon wheels. Passengers sit sideways behind the driver on padded bench seats and the entire contraption is attached to a small horse with a sturdy leather harness and set of reigns. Depending on the weigh of the load, the cart travels along at a slightly tilted angle. Since Dokar does not use any machine it does not produces any dangerous residue and the air will keep clean.

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When the bomb went off in Kuta last October, the reactions were mainly those of grief, horror and surprise. After the first few weeks of emergency care, it was time to try and figure out how to help those affected heal–on all levels: emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually and economically. The Bali Relief efforts have been enormous–an outpouring of medications (80 percent of them outdated, I’m told), medical support, and money came onto this tiny island. After all the fanfare, and the extravanga free concerts with the big name stars, a number of us wondered what else could be done.

Cody Schwaiko of YKIP (Yayasan Kemanusian Ibu Pertiwi, which was initially established to assist the bomb victims) asked me if I knew a dalang (shadow puppeteer) who could create a story about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that could be taken into the villages, particularly in and around Kuta.

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Pangerebongan is a traditional ceremony that aims to protect people especially for them who live around of Kesiman village from disease, disasters, and others bad things. Most people of Kesiman pu much faith in the efficacy of Pegerebongan ceremony that is the reason why Pangerebongan is held. Other people do not know this reason. Surprisingly, they, who do not know the reason, keep this ritual alive by come and join to this ritual.

Rangda

Some people who know the myth clearly enough said that the story began from a long time ago. Once upon a time “Ratu Gede Mecaling” with his followers which are formed as Rangda, Barong, and others form came to Kesiman Village. Ratu Gede who is described as big, with dark skin and canines commanded his followers to spread pestilence to this village.

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Nestled in a beautiful tropical garden with scattered coconut palms, Villa Santai is a cozy two-story urban hideaway that is close to the beach and local activity. Villa Santai includes three bedrooms, a natural stone tiled swimming pool, and a full audio-visual entertainment center, a spacious open-plan dining/living room area, and all this wrought in a spacious blend of Balinese and modern architecture. This tropical haven is ideally suited as an accessible, functional yet stylish retreat, from which to savor all that Seminyak has to offer.

The ground floor of the house is essentially one large open living area of approximately one hundred and twenty square meters. Surrounding a low antique wooden coffee table, large cushioned sofas provide a den of comfort for those who wish to enjoy the villa’s audio-visual facilities, or just relax with friends. Entertainment facilities consist of a television, DVD player, and full stereo system – also supplied are a selection of video and music CDs, and board games.

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The capital city in every region in the world is usually populated by people from many different areas and ethnics. In addition the capital city is usually more developed socially, economically, than others cities. It becomes more sophisticated so does Denpasar; as capital city of Bali. Is there any original unique culture from Denpasar which is still alive?

The answer is yes. Nevertheless there are so many people of Denpasar do not realize that they still have “Pangerebongan” (mass trance ritual). “Pangerebongan” is always held twice a year by people who live around the Kesiman Village, East Denpasar.

Eight days after Kuningan holiday, the community of Kesiman village gather in Pura Petilan (well known as Pura Dalem Pangrebongan since the pangerebongan ritual is held in this temple) using traditional costume. The main role is played by the Kesiman community. However this ritual is open to all of people who want to come.

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Villa Kirana set by jungle deep within the heart of Ubud, perched on the edge of the yawning Ayung river ravine, with awesome views of emerald rice fields, coconut palms, and lush tropical vegetation against a mountainous backdrop. Villa Kirana is just over one hour’s drive from Bali International Airport, yet only ten minutes drive from Ubud downtown.

Feels like you are at home. You can cook whatever you want, cause Villa Kirana provides you the fully equipped Western standard kitchen with Microwave and BBQ facilities. Cook with in-house menu is also available.Villa Kirana offers a captivating blend of comfort, leisure and seclusion. Villa Kirana neo-colonial shaped featuring five-bedroom villa with fabulous interior and gardens was designed by famous landscape architect Made Wijaya. The property is a genuine home, designed to accommodate and fulfill the needs of vacationers who take holidays in Bali.

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