Travel Blog: Bali, Indonesia

TRAVEL BLOG: Bali

St. Michael & Company recently visited the island of Bali in Indonesia. Bali is the province of Indonesia and is located in the westernmost part of the Lesser Sunda Islands and 2,232 mi².

Denpasar is the provincial capital 4,317,404 people are living in Bali that is excluding foreigners. Ubud is the epicenter of culture and spa centers. Bali’s economy is 80% from tourism-related businesses.

An estimated 86.9% of the population Balinese people are Hindu.  Rich in the heritage of arts, culture, and history, Bali is a frequently visited tourist destination. As history tells us, Bali is known as the Land of the Gods because of its majestic mountain views, clear blue ocean water, luscious rice plantations, and bountiful agricultural lands. Surrounded by its natural beauty, there is certainly a feeling of serenity and peace. As geography states, Indonesia has more than 139 active volcanoes some of  which are Agur and Batur located in Bali.

Balinese Family and Faith Values

The Balinese people center their lives on two most important factors family and faith. Each person begins their day with prayers and offerings to temples in their homes and nearby special sites. These offerings are gestures of gratitude for their families and the entire Balinese people. They believe in the core values that each family plays a role in the progress of the entire nation.

With 89 % of the population being Hindu, there are two important public national holidays; Galungan and Kuningan.  Galungan is a three-day public national holiday with festivities beginning at dawn for all women dressed up in traditional costumes placing offerings and going to temples while the men prepare the special Lawar dish for the family. This festivity celebrates the victory of dharma over adharma (the good over evil). It is a celebration in honor of ancestral spirits of deceased relatives and visits to the Earth. The last day of Galungan is called Kuningan. The streets, temples, and houses are decorated with penjor. Penjors are colorful lanterns  made of palm leaves and hung on tall bamboo poles. Galungan and Kuningan are the special religious occasions that allow for  them to spend time with families.

Balinese Traditional Costumes
Women
Balinese women wear the traditional Kebaya, made from any material but most especially from lace with a corset underneath. Kebaya is worn during special religious ceremonies and Banjar. Sarong is another female Balinese costume. Women wear colorful Kebara with batik Kamen almost similar to sarong with a sash tied around the waist. A flower such as frangipani known as Jepun in Bali is placed in the hair as an important accessory.  The kebaya is paired with a batik kamben which is very similar to a sarong, a sash tied around their waist and flowers in their hair. The flowers often, grow in abundance and are used in offerings to the gods.

Men
Typically, men wear a white shirt and a batik or songket kamben with an overlay called the Udeng. It comes with a traditional Head dress called Udent. They also have an option of usually white or patterned, a sash, and a traditional headdress called the Udeng.

Massages and Spa Treatments
We traveled to Bali to take the Balinese Massage at Reeva International Spa School. The Balinese Massage is a combination of different techniques that originated from Hinduism and Buddhism from 600 – 800 AD which is now called Indonesia, the Spice Island in Asia. The Balinese Massage is a Hindu influence evidenced by its Ayuverdic healing and aromatherapy techniques. Using acupressure points in the Balinese massage came from China’s influence.

Balinese Aromatherapy
Through the classes, we learned the different use of spa treatments such as Borreh, Lulurs, Body Scrubs, and Masks using plants and herbs. Thanks to Guru Ayu Mahandayani of Reeva International Spa School and Ms. Rai Sariani of Gaya Warna’s Aromatherapy products for showing us a wide selection of 100% organic natural essential oils, herbs, and spices. Bali prides itself on its natural spa products rich in Coconut oil, cocoa butter, scrubs, face mask, lulurs, and borehs.
Tourist Attractions

Beaches and Surf

Bali is surrounded by beautiful beaches and surf. International surfing competitions are held in Bali for its high surf and other accommodations for visitors/guests. Aside from surfing, diving is another attraction because of Bali’s blue water and marine biodiversity. Trips to any of the surrounding beaches such as Seminyak, Canggu, Kuta, Ubud, and Jimabaran are worth it.

Orange Plantations
On the way to Mount Batur, is  enjoyable scenic drive where you will find luscious farmlands, “jeruc” orange plantations, greener pastures of rice fields, and majestic mountain areas.

Mount Batur

Driving through the winding road to Mount Batur, we passed by the strip of accommodations for mountain hikers. There is a sunrise hike to visit Mount Batur. The view is breathtaking and worthwhile to take a few hours and stop for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or even just a break for a Balinese cup of coffee.

Batur National Hot Springs
Another most visited site for mountain hikers is the Batur National Hot Springs. The drive through the spring was similar to Switzerland due to its hot spring located at the foot of the mountains.

After the visit to the Hot Spring, we stopped by the famous Bas De Atayana for Balinese coffees and teas. The coffee tasting included the Balinese coffee varieties  such as Bali Coffee, Ginseng Coffee, Hot cocoa, Ginger Tea, and Lemon Grass Tea. One in particular expensive and exquisite item highlights the selection – the Luwak Coffee (Civet Coffee). Kopi luwak is known to consist of digested coffee cherries eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet. At Bas De Atayan gift shop you will also find varieties of Balinese Cocoa, herb teas, and essential oils.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu
As part of the Hindu tradition, we also visited a Hindu temple for prayers and offerings. The temples are built with intricate stone structures and architecture.

Kecak Dance
Kecak Dance is a unique experience.  It was culturally and theatrically entertaining, with colorful costumes, dance and acting.   Vocals only and not  accompanied by musical instruments the whole performance tells the story of  the Ramayana and is played mainly by men.

Ubud Traditional Market

With lots of handicrafts, wood carvings, stone carvings, traditional costumes, fresh fruits, and vegetables the Ubud Traditional Art Market is the epicenter for shopping. As history foretells the Ubud Traditional was then the commerce and trade of the Ubud Empire that is called Puri Saren.

Authentic Home-Cooked Balinese Dishes

We enjoyed our accommodation  at Goapa Home Stay.  Home coked meals prepared by Ibu Mama showcased authentic Balinese dishes made of fresh fish, meat, fruits , vegetables and special Balinese sauces and spices.   For more information, contact Goapa Home Stay located at Jalan betaka, banjar Jl. Betaka Graha Pengilian Permai No.1, Dalung, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80363, Indonesia Telephone +62 812-4657-9282 and email at juliansantosa7@gmail.com

Reeva International Spa School Jl. Betaka No.1, Dalung, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia, Tel. +62 851-0006-8742 or email at info@reevaspaschool.com