Vol.2 no.13/december 3-december 9, 2015
A special Saraswati Day celebration Banyu Pinaruh Pemuteran
The Ritz-Carlton,
Bali
from THE editor
Pamper thy self
Cover Photo: Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton, Bali
Going on vacation should not only be about exploring new places, learning new cultures and meeting, hopefully, friendly new people. By nature, vacationing is about pampering yourself, providing much-needed luxurious leisure to that exhausted body and weary soul. This edition’s cover story explores the multitude of pampering you could enjoy and the physical and mental rejuvenation you can experience at Ritz-Carlton, Bali, one of the stylish resorts at the southern end of the island. Hopefully, it will inspire you to treat yourself better this coming holiday season. — The Editor
06 Pemuteran
Contents
04
A special Saraswati Day celebration
05 Banyu Pinaruh
07 Depo Cemara 08 The Ritz-Carlton, Bali 10 Hard Rock Hotel Christmas dinner 11 ‘Ate’ grass 12 White Canny 16 Vandalism
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Savor
The Deli @ Pullman
“Where having a meal is a straightforward, comforting affair”
Words I Wayan Juniarta Photos Courtesy of Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana and I Wayan Juniarta
H
aving a meal has ceased to be a simple matter of satisfying the palate and stomach. Marketingdriven hype and a borderline psychotic fixation with originality and exoticism have elevated dining to the same level of complexity as 21st century politics and 19th century art. So what will we have for dinner? Fine dining or standard fare? Healthy food or fat-filled delights? Raw or cooked? Organic or non-organic? Locally sourced or globally sourced? Fresh or packaged? Fusion or … A simple question with enough passionate answers to set the room, or a relationship, on fire. For those who want to skip the debate and wish for nothing more than a fulfilling, delicious meal, then The Deli @ Pullman is an excellent choice. Open for à la carte dining from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., the restaurant offers cozy seating with a holiday atmosphere and a cosmopolitan menu spanning European and Asian-style offerings. Guests can dine indoor or enjoy their meal in the outdoor dining area, which is set next to the resort’s main pool. The calm blue water and the shade offered by a tall, large tree adds another positive vibe to the dining experience.
First timers should politely decline when offered the menu and instead declare in a firm voice that they want the crispy chicken burger (deep-fried crispy chicken breast, paprika mayonnaise, romaine lettuce, tomato, radish). You simply can’t go wrong with this fare. It is the bestselling item in The Deli, with up to 500 portions sold in a busy month. The kitchen stocks ingredients for 30 crispy chicken burgers on a daily basis. It is also the second bestselling item on the 351room resort’s room service menu. “I knew it would be popular, I just didn’t know that it would be so popular,” Pullman executive chef Phil Walker said. He created the burger during his stint with the Renaissance Beijing in an effort to entice the locals to eat more western food. It was a huge success and Walker brought it with him when, in early 2015, he joined Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana. “I started my career washing dishes when I was 17 years old, moving all the way to waiting tables and, eventually, cooking. It certainly makes you understand every aspect of the job,” he said. A candid and energetic man, so active that he managed to break his Garmin activity tracker in just a couple of months, Walker revamped The Deli’s menu to reflect the
island’s warmth and relaxed attitude. The result is a comprehensive list of offerings that are not only pleasing to the eye but guaranteed to fulfill your desire for comforting and fulfilling meals. Try his mushroom risotto (sautéed mixed mushrooms, parmesan, water spinach) or udang goreng sambal Bali (prawns, yellow Balinese sauce, steamed rice, prawn crackers) and you will likely end up ordering another bowl.
The Deli also offers heavenly desserts courtesy of its young pastry chef Riyan Febrian, whose favorite food is reportedly chocolate. Must try items are the panna cotta and passion fruit vacherine. Another good reason to pay The Deli a visit is its assistance program, which saw the establishment of a donated fund to the local organic farmers in Senganan, Tabanan, for the construction of a greenhouse. Having a meal there ensures the continuation of this program.
December 3, 2015
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Soul
A special Saraswati Day celebration “Transmitting the Balinese language worldwide” Words Ni Komang Erviani Photos Zul Trio Anggono
L
ast Friday night, on the eve of Saraswati Day, a Balinese Hindu holy day to pay homage to the goddess of knowledge, traditional Balinese art performances took place at Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) in Ubud. Dozens of children from Citra Usadhi art group, led by scholar Nyoman Catra, performed the Puja Saraswati dance, which was followed by an amazing performance by Balinese dance maestro Ayu Bulantrisna Djelantik with her team from Bengkel Tari Ayu Bulan. A Janger performance by the disabled artists of Bakti Senang Hati Foundation was also presented. Celebrated every 210 days, Saraswati Day is when Balinese Hindus praise and thank the goddess of knowledge for bestowing the ability to read, write and understand nature upon humans. Saraswati is portrayed as a beautiful, four-armed goddess holding a different object in each hand; a lontar manuscript, prayer beads, a lyre and a pot of holy water. The four arms represent the four aspects of human learning; mind, intellect, alertness and ego. Deciding that Saraswati Day was an ideal opportunity to bring the Balinese language and culture to the world, this year the celebrations extended beyond the normal prayers in schools to incorporate Poetry Slam
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Saraswati 2015. Dance, music and poetry reading were performed by Indonesian communities living around the world courtesy of Banjar Bali USA in Washington, DC, Banjar Shanti Dharma Belgia in Luxembourg, Banjar Buana Vasa in Sweden, Nyama Braya Bali Berlin, Banjar Suka Duka Belanda in the Netherlands, Banjar Bali Tokyo, Banjar Bali Finland, Mahindra Bali Melbourne in Australia, and Kelas Bahasa Indonesia Akar in New York. Indonesian communities overseas read Balinese poetry in several languages; one poem was Saniscara Umanis Watugunung by Balinese poet Mas Ruscitadewi.
The simulcast was broadcast from Bali and from the Indonesian consulate and embassy offices in seven countries (the US, Germany, Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands, Finland and Australia) and presented on livestreamasia. com and embassyofindonesia.org. A Balinese language poetry anthology was also launched during the event. “I hope that this anthology of Balinese language poetry can make us more aware and help the continuation of creations in the Balinese language so that it continues to develop,” Ruscitadewi said. The special celebration was jointly held by non-governmental organization BASAbali.org, Udayana University, Banjar Bali USA, ARMA Museum and Indonesian embassies in the US, Europe and Australia. Unfortunately, technical problems meant that the online broadcast did not run smoothly. BASAbali.org program director Ayu Mandala said that the event was aimed at taking Balinese language international. “The message from this event was that the Balinese language can go international by using interactive media. With all the gadgets we have, this event could be watched all over the world,” she said. In cooperation with Udayana University and Badan Bahasa (the Language Agency), BASAbali.org launched BASAbali Wiki, a digital Balinese-English-Indonesian dictionary on the website dictionary.basabali.org as part of the efforts to conserve the Balinese language. In an attempt to encourage more people to use Balinese, a monthly poetry competition is also held on Facebook.
“It began from a simple idea. We hope that more people will want to use Balinese as it is not only a language, it is part of our culture and part of our daily life,” she said, adding that she was concerned that many younger Balinese tended not to use Balinese language in their daily conversations. Ayu Mandala hoped the digital dictionary would make it easier for everyone who wanted to learn to write or speak Balinese. I Gde Nala Antara, expert team coordinator of BASAbali Wiki, added that the Saraswati celebration had been a great way to bring the Balinese language to the world. “By broadcasting the event online from eight countries, the Balinese language echoed worldwide,” he said.
Sight
Banyu Pinaruh “A ritual to cleanse body and soul” Words and photos Agung Parameswara
It was a chilly Sunday morning when hundreds of people braved the cold water in the holy spring bathing pool at Tirta Empul Temple in Gianyar to perform a special purification ritual for Banyu Pinaruh. The people shivered as they dipped their heads under each of the 26 waterspouts but were delighted to have the water splash onto their bodies. This holy water ritual, or melukat, symbolically cleanses the body and soul. North of Ubud and about a 90-minute drive from Denpasar, Tirta Empul is one of the favorite places for Balinese Hindus to perform melukat. While the purification ritual is performed for many reasons, for Banyu Pinaruh every Balinese Hindu treks to the sea, river, lake or waterfall for the ritual cleansing, preferably before the sun rises. Banyu Pinaruh always falls the day after Saraswati Day, when Balinese Hindus pray to and give thanks to the goddess of wisdom and knowledge. Consisting of two Balinese words — banyu (water) and pinaruh or pengeruwuh (knowledge and wisdom), the ritual is seen as a way to eliminate negative influences and forces that might affect the physical and mental state.
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Sight
Pemuteran “One of Bali’s favorite dive locations”
Words and photos Eka Juni Artawan
B
efore Pemuteran became one of the island’s most important coral reef preservation and conservation areas, it was a remote, barren far-flung village. Located in Buleleng, north Bali, the local villagers fished using destructive practices, including bombing the coral reef to stun the fish and bring them to the surface. “I was very sad and very concerned seeing the fishermen ruining the coral reefs and disrupting the marine habitat,” recalled I Gusti Agung Prana, a renowned environmentalist. In the early 1980s, Prana had made a lifechanging trip to Pemuteran, a place where he felt deep spiritual vibrations. Based on the Balinese concept of nyegara gunung, the village has an ideal location sandwiched between the sea and the mountains. As the village is around 90 kilometers north of Denpasar, or about a three-hour drive, Prana
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thought it was a great location for a tourist destination. The first step he had to take, however, was to involve the local community in the rehabilitation of the damaged coral reef and marine habitat. “It was really difficult to change people’s habits and ways of thinking,” he recalled. The local fishermen were in a dire situation. Their small catches had forced them to take dramatic shortcuts, which critically damaged the marine habitat. “We are poor fishermen. We often fail to catch fish. Our families only eat once a day. How can you stop us from doing what we are doing?” the fishermen often asked him in the early days. Prana never gave up hope, patiently encouraging the local people to understand the importance of rehabilitating coral reefs
and that it would be beneficial for them. At the time, Pemuteran’s coral reef was nearly dead from bleaching, changing sea temperatures, sedimentation and reef bombing. The coral reef restoration program started in 2000 with the help of two scientists — the late Wolf Ililbertz and Tom Goreau. Together with the locals, they developed the first biorock reefs in Pemuteran. The biorock coral restoration technique provides an environment for the coral reef to recover and become vibrant, where fish swarm freely. This community-based marine conservation project earned Prana and his Yayasan Karang Sari foundation numerous national and international accolades, including the Equator Prize 2012, The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Special Award for Marine and Coastal Zone Management and the UNDP Equator Award
for Community Based Development, which was presented at the UN Conference in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in 2012. The village has an education center for marine and conservation study and has become a sustainable eco-tourism site, a favorite place for European tourists. Prana himself invested in the area early on by building Taman Sari home stay. The Tourism Ministry has put forward Pemuteran village as an alternative marine and conservation-based tourist destination in the upcoming United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) conference in Madrid, Spain, which will take place in January 2016. “Conservation and tourism can go hand in hand with a new paradigm of preserving nature,” noted I Gde Pitana from the Tourism Ministry.
Soul
Depo Cemara “Community effort to create a clean and healthy village”
Words and photos Luh De Suriyani
A
number of students and teachers took part in an unusual site visit for a weekend school project — Depo Cemara waste processing site, located on a 250-square-meter plot of land belonging to the customary village on Jl. Tukad Nyali I in Sanur Kaja village, Denpasar. The students and teachers enthusiastically toured the site to learn about waste processing, as seen at the seven points of interest where they could obtain comprehensive information on how the site works, from selecting to composting the waste, as well as witnessing the waste processing equipment in operation. In the lobby is a small office for the waste bank, where staff receive various types of recycled trash from local residents. Around six trash collectors collect household garbage every day and residents pay for the service. However, they are also able to take their own household waste to the site. Cash donations are welcomed and can be made at the office. Depo Cemara does a good job of processing the village’s garbage and making the village clean and healthy. Few, however, know its long history. In the 1990s, the local people kept complaining about the village’s dirty and unhealthy condition. Mountains of trash were scattered everywhere in the village and no one knew where to dispose of the garbage properly. Waste collection was rare, so the villagers simply burned their household waste in their back yards. Then in 2002, the local residents decided to process waste the traditional way at Depo
Cemara. Initially, they simply collected and composted the waste. Later Desa Sadar Lingkungan, literarily the environmentally aware village, was established with the help of the Bali Center for Environmental Education (PPLH). This led to the site’s capacity and services being expanded and integrated to form a community-based waste processing site. Depo Cemara has become a pilot project for community-initiated waste processing, where people from other neighborhoods can learn and obtain information on managing their waste so they can replicate it in their own villages. Herni Frilia from PPLH Bali is also preparing a manual on community-based waste processing. This project is a collaborative effort between Guru Peduli Lingkungan (environmentally aware teachers) and PPLH. The book will contain 15 topics, including the journey of waste and waste processing methods. Meanwhile, Upik was busy explaining to the visiting students and teachers about how plastic waste was processed and Riki, one of youth members, commented that he was happy to see more and more people bringing their own household waste to Depo Cemara. The long journey to create a clean and healthy village in Sanur Kaja has involved changing people’s behavior toward waste and what comprises a healthy environment. Their joint efforts have been fruitful not only in creating better living conditions but also in inspiring other villages to follow their path.
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The Ritz-Carlton, Bali “A sanctuary offering sublime service, superb facilities and Balinese experiences” Words Amanda O’Connor Photos Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton, Bali
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Cover Story
S
et atop a 70-meter sheer cliff in the arid district of Sawangan lies a haven of unparalleled service amid a setting of subdued elegance with a deep sense of place that just exudes sophistication. This is The Ritz-Carlton,
Bali. The reception area comprises a large pavilion with a timber roof, tall wooden pillars set on pale stone pedestals, a viewing deck overlooking the main resort area at the foot of the cliff with a far-reaching vista across the Indian Ocean. If you’re looking to take memorable photos for your social media, the tree of life wall relief in the lobby makes for a great background. The tree of life, or Kalpatura in Bali, symbolizes strength, beauty and wisdom and is just one of the many Balinese design elements featured throughout the resort. The fragrant scent of tropical flowers perfumes the air, while the long stems topped with small creamy white flowers make for a striking decoration, contrasting sharply with an intriguing metal sculpture that spirals down out of the ceiling above a stone water feature. The majority of the resort is accessible via glass elevators that whisk you down the cliff face to the lower level. Here a series of lowrise buildings have been artfully located to make the most of the topography and maintain a sense of space. The resort is designed to look like it belongs exactly where it is — set against a sheer cliff face and spreading out to the shore. Palm and frangipani trees are scattered through the undulating grounds along with beds of local flora edged with the rough-edged rocks that abound in the area. There are lush lawns and a gorgeous multi-level central garden, inspired by Bali’s rice paddies and water palaces, with a koi pond running through it. Between the garden and the white sandy beach is the resort’s swimming pool. The sparkling water ends at the infinity edge, where the view blends into the Indian Ocean. Large day beds both line the pool and are placed in some shallow pool areas, inviting you to relax in the sunshine with a cool drink in your hand. At night, flames dance in the breeze on tiny towers edging the pool, making for another stunning photo spot. Recently opened is The Ritz-Carlton Spa, which offers distinctive wellness experiences where nature, culture, tradition and spirituality merge to bring your inner and outer worlds into balance. Inspired by the ocean and indigenous natural ingredients, ancient Balinese methods and modern techniques, spa treatments can start with time in the wet room with its warm whirlpool, cool plunge pool, steam and sauna rooms, or the Hydro-Vital pool. These water therapies not only open the pores and warm the muscles, preparing the body for the upcoming treatment, but also provide the mind with time to tune out the day-to-day hustle and bustle and focus on inner wellness. It is a place that restores your vitality and rejuvenates your senses. A full range of treatments are available, from polishes, wraps, massages and facials, to couples and Mommy and Me time. Spa villas provide the ultimate retreat for couples seeking some
romantic pampering, with elegant furnishings, two massage beds and a huge soaking bath for two. You can even take your treatment outside to one of the beach gazebos and enjoy the gentle breezes and sound of the waves. Inspired by the ocean and to provide rejuvenating, nourishing treatments that brighten the skin and restore its luster, vitamin and mineral-rich algae is used to exfoliate and deeply nourish the skin, while stimulating cell renewal, and pearl — long favored by Asian royal families — is used to leave a glorious iridescence on the skin and increase its radiance. The spa offers four specialty two-hour signature treatments that incorporate a scrub or polish, body wrap and massage. Iridescent Delight brings out the skin’s vital glow and adds shimmer with pearl extract, while releasing tension and improving blood circulation; Tropical Marine Pleasure deeply nourishes and hydrates tired skin with seaweed extracts and leaves you calm and tranquil; Sea Coconut Secret makes full use of coconuts, from the coir for the body exfoliation to the oil for nourished, soft skin; and the Indian Ocean Ritual is inspired by the time-honored Balinese tradition of using the warm sands to exfoliate the skin and warm the muscles. The highly experienced Balinese, Thai and Filipino therapists undergo intensive training and refresher courses to ensure you have the best treatment. One Balinese girl said she was happy to be home after a four-year stint in the Maldives, where the tiny islands offered little to do when she wasn’t working. When your massage is due to start, your therapist will collect you from the locker room, wet room or Hydro-Vital pool and take you to your room. Light wood, bamboo foot bath bowls, colorful songket cloth on the massage bed and an uplifting fragrance in the air make for a welcoming atmosphere. As you lie there ready to start, your therapist strikes a metal bar and a clear chime vibrates through the air, readying you mentally for the pampering and
calling on the Balinese belief that this pure sound will raise vibrations and clear away negative energies. At the end of the treatment, another chime sounds through the room calling you back to start the journey into the outer world, but if you’re still not ready to face the world yet, the Prana relaxation room offers peace and tranquility. Another highlight of The Ritz-Carlton Spa is its HydroVital pool — an indulgent oasis of Jacuzzi-like stations set within a vast pool located alongside the cliff face and under a towering canopy to provide a semi-outdoor experience. A few loungers and chairs await you on the wooden decking, but guests generally spend their time relaxing in the various spots of bubbling water and make the most of the rejuvenation, water massage and de-stressing. In addition to the six restaurants offering superb dining, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali provides its guests with the opportunity to join Balinese Experiences, which range from market visits, to learning about traditional Indonesian textiles and taking part in the colorful and deeply spiritual soul purification ritual. Soul purification, or melukat in Balinese, is an authentic blessing ceremony that takes place early morning on the beach. There you will find a Balinese Hindu priest sitting amid woven mats covered in offerings for the gods. One of the Ritz-Carlton ladies will help you into a sarong and guide you as the priest conducts Balinese prayers, starting with devotion to the god of the ocean and followed by the tepung tawar ritual to symbolically cleanse your body, mind and soul. This truly unique encounter ends with the priest tying a three-colored string, called the benang tridatu, around your wrist, which is worn until it falls off and symbolizes your quest for balance, harmony and understanding. During your time in Bali, you will see many Balinese wearing the benang tridatu. Whatever you choose to do, as a guest at The RitzCarlton, Bali, you can be sure that the timeless charm of the hospitality will make your stay memorable.
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Savor
Hard Rock Hotel
Christmas dinner “Have yourself a merry little Christmas in Kuta”
Words and Photos Chris O’Connor
A
t a time of shrinking icecaps, global warming and economic uncertainty, the North Pole is happily reporting a boost in its manufacturing activity with the elves busy making iPads, Frozen figurines and other delightful stocking fillers for kids of all ages to enjoy this Christmas. Meanwhile, further south in downtown Kuta, the surfers are donning their Santa hats and faux fur-trimmed shorts, the malls have been playing Christmas carols since November, baubles and plastic fir trees are on sale and many of the island’s eateries are rolling out their special Christmas menus. In fact, all over the Bali, Christmas preparations are already in full swing because Christmas in paradise is still Christmas. Nowhere is this more apparent than at the world-famous Hard Rock Hotel overlooking Kuta Beach. For Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the Hard Rock Hotel’s industrious kitchen
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team has put together a special festive treat for walk-in and staying guests at the hotel’s funky Starz Diner. The buffet dinners are quite extensive and although they have a clear Christmas twist, they also provide an excellent and extensive choice of nontraditional pan-Asian food alongside the international classics. The roast turkey with sage and onion stuffing, brussel sprouts and roast baby potatoes naturally takes center stage alongside the traditional carved honey-roast gammon, Christmas pudding and fruitcake, but the buffet also features international meat, fish and vegetable dishes, pasta, noodles, Chicken tandoori, as well as wok sections. Chose from a selection of appetizers such as smoked marlin on grain toast with pineapple salad, sushi and sashimi and beef carpaccio, or visit the fresh salad and bread stations. Main course temptations are chargrilled lamb cutlet served with rosemary jus,
beef medallion, lemon grilled chicken, as well as local favorites such as pork with young jackfruit, stir-fried beef, Solo fried chicken, chap chay and fried rice. For those with a sweet tooth, and who doesn’t indulge at Christmas, the range of desserts has a truly international flavor with a chocolate fountain, red velvet cake, mango mousse, crème brûlée, fruit, pandan swiss roll and many more complementing your festive feast. At Rp 350,000 (US$25.33) plus taxes per head, the extensive buffet dinner with free flow juice and soft drinks is good Christmas value, and with kids at half price, it is an excellent family option. For those who want to enjoy a few drinks with the celebration, choose the free flow cocktails, beer and wines buffet package at a remarkable Rp 650,000 plus taxes. Opening at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, you can book your table now by calling (0361) 761869.
Sight
‘Ate’ grass “Woven grass handicrafts drive the local economy” Words and photos Luh De Suriyani
T
en years ago, I Ketut Randi and his family returned to Sengkidu village in Karangasem, east Bali, to resume their family tradition of producing crafts made of ate — a kind of mountain grass. For many years, Randi had worked at a shoe factory in Denpasar, but then he and his wife, Luh Lahmiati, decided to create their own home business and produce woven grass sandals. A hilly village, Sengkidu was once the center for ate grass cultivation and people created woven baskets, tissue containers, handbags, as well as other interior decorations. Today, supplies of ate are running thin. “We have to procure the raw material from outside Bali, from places like Lombok, Flores in East Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi and Kalimantan,” said Randi. Most of Randi’s clients come from Ubud and Denpasar and as he doesn’t have a shop, he puts his creations in small art shops in the nearby village of Tenganan, home to the Bali Aga community. His specialty is ate grass sandals woven beautifully to incorporate patterns and designs. Within three days, his wife and relatives are able to produce 20 pairs of ate sandals at a very affordable Rp 70,000 (US$5) per pair. Today, the most prolific ate producing village is in Seraya. For Karangasem regency, ate grass crafts are a lucrative business, absorbing more than 10,000 people in the local workforce. However, limited raw materials are an obstacle for the local artisans to achieve sustainable production. It is high time the local authorities explored new opportunities to cultivate ate grass in order to support the local economy, which in turn will channel profits into the regency.
Authentic Italian
BBQ
Pool Access
Kids Activities
Kids Area
Free Wi-Fi
December 3, 2015
Road Access
Free Parking
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Savor
White Canny “A retro-style dining place in Renon”
Words and Photos Anggara Mahendra
T
he upscale residential area of Renon has another attractive hangout with a vintage atmosphere. The White Canny Café and Coffee Shop at Jl. Tukad Gangga No. 16 lies just 10 minutes’ drive from Niti Mandala square, the favorite gathering spot for city dwellers to spend their Sunday mornings and afternoons. The café was clearly inspired by the Dutch colonial period with architectural elements including high-ceilinged, white-painted buildings, old-school ceramic tiles and scores of glass windows. A pond and well-manicured garden add a relaxing ambience to the café. To further enhance the vintage atmosphere, the proprietor has decorated the interior with antique radios, old photographs, as well as rotary dial telephones.
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Dubbed W-Can by its growing number of fans, the café features western food, such as fish and chips, burgers, pizza and spaghetti, as well as fruit juices, shakes and, of course, coffee. Open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., the café is usually crowded during lunchtime and fully packed in the evening. Most of the clientele are youngsters looking for a place to quench their hunger for food, as well as their narcissistic impulse to take selfies with a stunning background. The café’s retro coolness has also attracted people to organize their birthday parties, social functions and pre-wedding photo sessions here. Visit the café’s Instagram page (@whitecanny) to get a glimpse of this unique café.
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Saxophone or guitar lessons at any level. SMS 0813 398 07682 Doug.
www.BaliShoot.com. Affordable commercial advertising photography.
Home made jewelry. Silver and gold. Good price with high quality product. Call 081 7477 9129 Indonesian freelance cook. Text Elok 0813 902 36628 Indonesian lessons for foreigners provided at your home / office, native teacher. Sms/call: Ms. Asima 0821 468 50175 / email gemilangcourse@gmail.co, www. balipages.biz.learn.speak.indonesian. Indonesian lessons, free trial class. Contact: 0878 616 37555, nika.wirawan@gmail.com Jonsen Pet House. Dog boarding and playground. 0361 2727 645 / 0812 6304 5125. jonsenpethouse.com Made to order: bags, wallets, jackets, leather. Pls call 0819 3621 9030 Need a building contractor? Call 0881 460 2907 / 0812 360 9639 Painting courses, professional artist. Call 0361 837 2501 Private courses in the Chinese language. Simple system. Call: 0818 055 60595 / 0813 382 17788 Private Indonesian language classes for foreigners. Call Dwi 0813 3870 5158
Island Buzz Award of Excellence for St. Regis
‘Art with Heart’
The St. Regis Bali Resort has been named the Best for Families Resort on Condé Nast Johansens 2016 Awards for Excellence. These 34th annual awards for excellence are based on responses from online voting, guest feedback and local expert reports drawn from the hotels featured in Condé Nast Johansens’ most recent guides. The guides are the premier reference for independent travelers with the most comprehensive illustrated reference of independently owned hotels, inspected annually by dedicated and highly trained local experts worldwide. Providing a bespoke service for the whole family, The St. Regis Bali Resort provides an engaging and thoughtful service for its youngest connoisseurs by piloting The Children’s Learning Center, located in the lush gardens at the resort. The center is an enriching environment providing children aged 4 to 12 programs that will enhance their innate talents through training made fun. The St. Regis Bali Resort also created a bespoke “Family Traditions” package that combines suite accommodation, free access to the Children’s Learning Center and family experience activities, such as back to nature and pirate camp. Every year, the resort has held a Family Traditions event on Christmas Day, featuring a children’s gingerbread decorating activity, Santa Claus, children’s choir, storytelling and much more.
Alaya Resort Kuta is hosting an inspiring exhibition of paintings and crafts by a group of artists with special needs. This event will be officially launched on Dec. 12 with a stylish cocktail reception for invited guests, travel associates and media representatives. All proceeds from the sale of items on display will be donated to Yayasan Bhakti Senang Hati, a foundation that creates programs to develop self-confidence, as well as physical and economic independence for “dif-abled” people in Bali. Their motto is “From Isolation to Integration”. “The aim of this exhibition is not only to raise funds but also to empower people with special needs and generate awareness about the difficulties they face on a daily basis. This is the fifth such collaboration between Flash Charity Bali and Yayasan Bhakti Senang Hati,” said organizer Melly St. Ange. Membership in the foundation for two of the participating artists, Dayu Wid and Putu Suriati, has had a profound impact on their lives, helping them become productive members of the community. Renowned Indonesian artist, Dyani Sinung from Java, will also showcase some of her paintings to support the exhibition. She resides in Bali and nurtures the talents of aspiring artists. The exhibition will run until Jan. 12 and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. December 3, 2015
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Promote your event with us! Call : 0361 265 436/7 or email to promotionbali@thejakartapost.com Untitled: Photo Exhibition Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday From 9 p.m. – 11:45 p.m. Mannekepis Jazz and Blues Bistro Jl. Raya Seminyak, Kuta : (0361) 8475784 Kul Kul Farm Bali Open Day Every Thursday From 8 – 11 a.m. Come and join workshops and the fun of sharing farm duties. Kul Kul Farm Bali Jl. Raya Sibang Kaja, Br. Saren, Abiansemal, Badung E-mail: kul@kulkulfarm.com Limbo Hip Every Thursday Starts 8:30 p.m. Lacalita Jl. Raya Batu Bolong No. 68, Canggu
Drawing & Painting Contest for foreign children Dec. 13 From 11 a.m. Ballroom Swiss-Belresort Watu Jimbar Jl. Danau Tamblingan No. 99, Sanur : (0361) 8497000
Events Koh Friday – you and me (Cocoon, Desolat / DE) Dec. 4 Starts 11 p.m. Jl. Camplung Tanduk, Kuta Email : info@kohbali.com www.kohbali.com Paradise Trance Festival Dec. 5 Starts 11 a.m. Canggu Beach Club VUE LV 8 Hotel Bali Jl. Pantai Berawa, Canggu www.paradisetrancefest.com MINT CLUB BALI PRESENTS OLIVER LANG (UK) Dec. 5 Starts 10 p.m. – 4 a.m. Jl. Petitenget No. 919, Seminyak : (0361) 4732884 www.themintclub.com JENJA WEEKENDERS presents GUI BORATTO Dec. 5 From 11 p.m. Jenja Townsquare Suites, Jl. Nakula 18, Seminyak : 0811 3988 088 1st Annual Bali World Music Festival 2015 Dec. 5-6 From 5 - 11 p.m. ARMA Museum & Resort Jl. Raya Pengosekan, Ubud : (0361) 285196 www.baliworldmusicfestival.org Jazz and Blues Session Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday From 9 p.m. – 11:45 p.m. Mannekepis Jazz and Blues Bistro Jl. Raya Seminyak, Kuta : (0361) 8475784
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December 3, 2015
Made’s Warung Live Performances Balinese Dances Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday Live Music Every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday Salsa Dance Every Sunday Made’s Warung Jl. Raya Seminyak, Kuta : (0361) 755297 Petani Restaurant Special Performances Live music every Friday Starts 7:30 p.m. Alaya Ubud Jl. Hanoman, Ubud : (0361) 972200 Sunset Beach Bar & Grill Every Saturday Chill-out music, snack-style menu, true Balinese hospitality. Intercontinental Bali Resort Jl. Uluwatu 45, Jimbaran : (0361) 701888 Watch Worldwide Sports Events Live sports coverage at Meads, watch live AFL, NRL, Super Rugby, cricket, tennis, F1. Meads Boutique Villas Hotel Jl. Pratama No. 99, Tanjung Benoa : (0361) 776604
Food & Drinks Denpasar Black Canyon Amaris Jl. Teuku Umar No. 139, Denpasar : (0361) 9378042 / 9378043
ART & CULTURE CORNER Denpasar
Jimbaran Kecak & Fire Dance Everyday Starts 6 p.m. Uluwatu Temple Jimbaran, Badung : (0361) 9041163
Kuta Traditional & Modern Performances Every day (Except Wednesday) Starts 8 p.m. Kuta Theater Jl. Kartika Plaza No. 8X, Kuta : (0361) 762750
Activities
Tuban Black Canyon Ngurah Rai International Airport : (0361) 8491805
Calonarang Dance Every Thursday, Sunday Starts 7:30 p.m. Mawang Village, Ubud Legong Dance Every Friday Starts 7:30 p.m. Balerung Srinertya Waditra (Balerung Mandera) Br. Teruna, Peliatan, Ubud : (0361) 972124 or 970503 Topeng Jimat Every Wednesday Starts 7 p.m. ARMA Museum & Resort Jl. Raya Pengosekan
Courses Dance Lessons Dance for life. Jl. TangkubanPerahu No. 100x : (0361) 7452045 Gamelan Course – Mekar Bhuana Learn more about Balinese culture and music. Jl. Gandapura III No. 501X, Denpasar : (0361) 464 201 Gaya Ceramic Arts Center Private tutelage for individuals and small groups — potter’s wheel throwing techniques to hand-crafted sculptures. Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud : (0361) 7451413 or 976220 Sherrat Gallery/ BCAC Surrealism painting and art class with Bruce Sherrat Jl. Raya Andong Gg. Sawah, Ubud (between Gangga Sukta and BSA cargo) : (0361) 978617 www.baliartclasses.com Silversmithing Classes – Studio Perak Recommended by Lonely Planet. A relaxing place to explore your creativity and make that piece of silver jewelry you’ve been dreaming about! Jl. Hanoman, Ubud. : (0361) 974244 info@studioperak.com
Shopping Delta Dewata The first supermarket in Ubud Jl. Raya Andong No.14, Ubud : (0361) 973 049, 978 071
Nirmala Supermarket Jl. Uluwatu II no. 10 Jimbaran, Phone (0361) 81470919 Jl. Uluwatu Ungasan, Phone (0361) 705454 Jl. Uluwatu Pecatu, Phone (0361) 7472303 Jl. Uluwatu II no. 10 Jimbaran, Phone (0361) 81470919 Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai 81 Jimbaran, Phone (0361) 4729081
Bintang Perum Dalung Permai Pertokoan A11 – A15, Kerobokan Kaja Jl. Raya Seminyak No. 17, Kuta Jl. Raya Campuhan No. 45, Ubud
Papaya Fresh Gallery Jl. Mertanadi, Kuta
Tour & Travel Agent Simple Guidance When Attending a Temple Ceremony
Kerobokan Bumbak Coffee Authentic Umalas coffee. Jl. Bumbak No. 170, Kerobokan
Ubud
Barong & Keris Dance Everyday Starts 9 a.m. Jl. Waribang No. 11 Kesiman, Denpasar : (0361) 224596
Perama Tour & Travel Bali, Lombok, Flores, all over Indonesia. Easy and safe at a reasonable price, all for your convenience. Head Office Jl. Legian No. 39, Kuta : (0361) 751551, 751875, 750808 www.peramatour.com
1. Always wear a sarong and sash. 2. Do not walk in front of people when they are praying. 3. Do not use flash or point your camera at the priest’s face. 4. Never sit higher than the priest, the offerings and/or people praying. 5. During cremation ceremonies, do not get in the way of attendees, however perfect that photographic moment might be. 6. Women are not allowed to enter temples while menstruating.
Where to go
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3 Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner
Rp 400,000 net/person Children 6-12 years old pay 50%, under 6 years old eat free*. Reserve your table between now and Dec. 22 for 20% off selected wines*. *Terms and conditions apply Dec. 24 Starts 7 p.m. Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali Jl. Wana Segara 33, Tuban : (0361) 755577 E-mail: holidayinnresortbaruna@ihg.com barunabali.holidayinnresort@ihg.com
W Bali Presents Super Flu Extra beats by Cleave Martinez and Launa Fen
Tjakra 7 Spa
Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana Jl. Melasti No. 1, Legian : (0361) 762500 pullmanbalilegiannirwana.com
Dec. 11 From 10 p.m. – 4 a.m. Woobar at W Retreat Bali Jl. Petitenget, Seminyak : (0361) 4738106
Menjangan Island SINGARAJA LOVINA
Pulaki Gilimanuk
Mt. Batur
Mt. Sangiang
Mt. Musi
West Bali National Park
Besakih Mt. Agung
NEGARA Pura Rambut Siwi
AMLAPURA Sangeh
BANGLI
Ubud
KLUNGKUNG
TABANAN
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GIANYAR
New Year Eve’s Buffet Dinner Rp 475,000 net/person, including a glass of sparkling wine Children 6-12 years old pay 50%, under 6 years old eat free*. Reserve your table between now and Dec. 22 for 20% off selected wines*. *Terms and conditions apply Dec. 31 Starts 7 p.m. Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali Jl. Wana Segara 33, Tuban : (0361) 755577 E-mail: holidayinnresortbaruna@ihg.com barunabali.holidayinnresort@ihg.com
Tanah Lot Kerobokan
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Canggu 2 Seminyak Legian Kuta Ngurah Rai Int’ Airport
Jimbaran Pura Luhur Uluwatu
DENPASAR Sanur
3 1 4 5 6 Benoa
Pura Batu Madan
Penida Island
Nusa Dua
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6 Bali Spa & Wellness Association Annual Event 2015 Dec. 4 Starts 9 a.m. The Trans Luxury Hotel Jl. Sunset Road, Kuta Utara : 081 558 100676 (Ayu Handayani) / 081 193 00953 (Linea) E-mail: bswa.publicrelations2@gmail.com / bswa.secretary@gmail.com
6th Annual Harris Day
Dec. 13 From 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. HARRIS Hotel & Residence Jl. Pura Mertasari, Sunset Road,Kuta : (0361) 8947001 whatsupharris.com
MÉTIS Restaurant, Lounge & Gallery Bali
French Mediterranean dining in a heavenly setting, an uber-chic lounge serving scrumptious tapas and cocktails, complemented by top-notch entertainment. Jl. Petitenget no.6, Kerobokan : (0361) 4737 888 E-mail: info@metisbali.com metisbali.com
December 3, 2015
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Sight
Vandalism
“Thoughtless people disregard Mt. Agung” Words and Photos Anggara Mahendra
T
he Balinese Hindus consider mountains to be sacred places where the deities reside and thus have built many major temples on mountain slopes, including Bali’s mother temple, Besakih, on Mount Agung. The 3,142-meter high Mt. Agung volcano in Karangasem, east Bali, is deemed the most sacred mountain in Bali. Despite its sanctity, thousands of mountaineers climb the mountain, facing its many challenges on the way to the peak, to view the incomparable, breathtaking panorama from the top. If you climb Mt. Agung from Besakih temple, it will take around two days to reach the peak. However, a shorter and faster way is from Pura Pasar Agung in Sebudi, which requires only four to five hours to arrive at the summit. Local guide Wayan Tegteg gave us
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December 3, 2015
important advice during the climb, reminding us to behave properly and to avoid using negative words while on the mountain. People strongly believe that those who violate the unwritten rules might not reach the top. According Jero Mangku Sumba, a priest at Pura Pasar Agung, people were prohibited from bringing pork and beef onto the mountain, even in offerings. “Climbers are not allowed to bring food that contains beef or pork,” he said, explaining that spiritually the cow was the vehicle of the Hindu god Siva, while pigs were perceived to be dirty animals, eating anything they found, including rotten food. After climbing for an hour, we reached Telaga Emas, or the Golden Pond, water spring. Physically, the pond may have appeared after the eruption of Mt. Agung, but in the spiritual
realm, the pond is considered a sacred water source strictly guarded by a nymph who wears a lavish traditional costume. After passing Telaga Mas, the path became very steep and narrow. Along the way, we saw a lot of colorful graffiti sprayed on large stones, trees and other objects. This destructive action has destroyed the mountain’s surroundings. For many people, youngsters in particular, leaving their “footprint” on this sacred site fulfills their emotional need for acknowledgement of their very existence.
However, they do not understand that their actions have damaged the environment. “In my opinion, this vandalism was made by selfcentered and narcissistic people who only care for themselves,” said Komala, a nature lover. “Real nature lovers preserve the environment,” he added. Last year, an irresponsible Indonesian tourist wrote the word “Indonesia” on a stone on Mt. Fuji, a sacred Japanese mountain and recognized UNESCO Natural Heritage, causing great furor and giving a very bad impression of Indonesia and its people.