Waterfall in Tabanan

One of the waterfall in Bali island found in Tabanan ...

rice terrace in a village

the rice terrace commonly found in villages in bali

Perang Pandan at Tenganan

As an ancient village in Bali, Tenganan Pegeringsingan is identical with religious activities. Many temple festivals performed in this village that attract visitors to come. The most famous one is “Mekare-kare” or “Perang Pandan”.  Its mean Pandanus war, this is a ceremonial fight or war using thorny pandanous leaves as the weapon. This festival usually takes place in relation to the celebration of “Sasih Kelima” or the fifth Balinese month.

Tenganan Pegeringsingan is situated at Manggis district, approximately 65 km from Denpasar (the International Airport of Bali). It is near Candidasa and can be easily reached by public or private vehicles.

Tenganan is one of several ancient villages in Bali, which is usually called “Bali Aga”. There are some versions of story telling us the history of Tenganan village. Some say that the word Tenganan was derived from the word “tengah” or “ngatengahang” which means “move to the inner area”. This derivation of word was having a relation with the movement of the villagers from the seaside to a rural area, in which the position of this village is in the middle of hills, that are western hill (Bukit Kauh) and eastern hill (Bukit Kangin).

Another version reveals that the people of Tenganan came from Peneges village, located in Gianyar, precisely near Bedahulu. Based on the folklore, once upon a time Bedahulu King lost one of his horses. The people looked for it to the east and the horse was finally found dead by Ki Patih Tunjung Biru, the King’s right hand. For his loyalty, the King finally gave Ki Patih Tunjung Biru an authority to govern the land as far as the aroma of the carrion of the horse can be smelled. Ki Patih was an intelligent person, so he cut the carrion into pieces and spread it as far as he could. Thus he received a quite large area.

The word Pegeringsingan was taken from the word “geringsing”. Geringsing is a traditional woven product that can only be found in Tenganan. Geringsing is noticed to be sacred for the belief that it has a magical power to drive away the evil or the black magic. Geringsing derived from the word “gering” means decease and “sing” means no. Many other uniqueness of custom and culture can be found here that make Tenganan worth to visit.

Denpasar City Festival

Denpasar festival is an annual culture event from Denpasar city government which held  in the month of December each year. The event usually  begin with a Denpasar (Bali) cultural parade and taken place on the street of Catur Muka monument statue beside of Puputan square in the center of Denpasar city. The purpose of this event is going to manifested Denpasar as a culture city concept.

There are some performances and exhibitions during festival for a week, i.e: Balinese dance performance, art exhibition, food and beverage festival, horticulture, handicraft exhibition, etc..

Taman Ayun Temple

Taman Ayun, the royal family temple of Mengwi kingdom is located in Mengwi district, Badung Regency. In its moated setting, symbolizes the Hindu world set in the cosmic sea. Its meru tower represent the mountains, residence of the gods. Located on an axis connecting the mountains with the sea, Pura Taman Ayun is thought to ensure the harmonious circulation of water from the mountains of Bali to the ricefields, then to the sea, and back to the mountains.

The establishment of Pura Taman Ayun is related to the development of Mengwi kingdom in 17th century. A manuscript describing the birth of Mengwi kingdom called ” Babad Mengwi ” gives a description that the founder of the kingdom I Gusti Ngurah Putu after succeeded in extending his emporium he built Ulun Danu temple on the bank of lake Beratan, than moved his palace from Balahayu to Mengwi and built Taman Ayun temple. The date of construction is expressed on a carved door with chronogram reads ” Sad Bhuta Yaksa Dewa ” means 1634 AD.

Total number of shrines and pavilions in the complex are 50 units. This shrines are not all dedicated to god or holy spirits but some are as ritual facilities, public hall, and decorations.

For Taman Ayun temple, the responsible principal is Mengwi palace assisted by the society in the area of current Mengwi district. During the main ceremony people from outside Mengwi are usually coming for praying, especially those areas before under Mengwi kingdom.

Morning Greeting from Sanur beach

Sanur is situated on the eastern coastline, protected by a coral reef. The waves are much gentler and therefore Sanur’s beach is known as the holiday place for the whole family and honeymooners alike. The beach is wide and white, and sheltered by a reef. At low tide it;s very shallow, and you have to pick your way out over rocks and coral through knee-deep water.Many people think it’s ideal and you’ll find many of them paddling here on Sunday holidays, particularly at the northern end of the beach. At high tide the swimming is fine, and there’s also a classic but fickle surf break.

The main attraction of Sanur is its calm beach. In the south east, one can observe Nusa Penida Island across the sea and in the eastern side, the panoramic view of South Bali along with its range of mountains is a spectacular sight that should not be missed. In a bright afternoon the scenery is simply beautiful.