Bali's Mother Temple – Pura Besakih shines again

Balifornian Tours and Travel Blog brings many of its tours to Pura Basakih.  If you would like a life changing visit to the increadible temple, please contact us today about our art and wellness tours.

Steps Underway to Clean Up the Image of Bali's Mother Temple – Pura Besakih.

Bali's Mother Temple of Pura Besakih sits high on the slopes of Bali's Mount Agung. On a mountain viewed by the Balinese as the "belly-button" of the universe,Besakih is indisputably Bali's most sacred temples, dating its history back to the 14th century.

In fact a complex of twenty-two temples set on parallel mountain ridges, the distinctive tiered meru roofs of the tens of lesser temples lead the eyes to the main structure or Pura Penataran Agungwhich, in turn, immediately draws the mind and the eyes to the nearby sacred caldera of Mt. Agung.

While Besakih remains a major tourist and spiritual destination on the island of Bali, a Karangasem Regency religious leader recently expressed to Bisnis Bali his view that all parties involved with the sacred temple, both religious devotees and tourist visitors, need to achieve a shared view of the site and the important role it plays in the island's cultural and religious life. I Wayan Arthadipa, the Chairman of the Majelis Madya Desa Pakraman (MMDP) for Karangasem, said that Besakih's sacred status in Balinese society tends to mute the many deficiencies surrounding the daily life of Bali's Mother Temple. Branding it as unwise to remain silent while the image and reputation of the Temple suffers, he urged local leaders and those charged with safeguarding the Temple to have the courage to take the steps necessary to restore Besakih's spiritual and moral standing. Driving home his point, he said that guides leading people through the complex must always respect the sacred nature of the Temple, obey all rules already in place and not defraud or coerce those visiting the site.

He also said that the conditions prevailing inside the Temple are no less important, pointing to criticisms that are often heard from devotees regarding questionable fees demanded for mandatory offerings. Arthadipa called for transparency in how the funds flowing in from various source toBesakih are handled. "Besakih has be managed well, be organized, and handled in a neat and professional manner," he said. To do this, he added, the regency of Karangasem and the provincial government must both be involved in order to oversee the complex issues that involve Bali main religious site.

In response, the coordinator of the management and supervision ofBesakih (KPPKSB), Drs. I Wayan Ardika, told the press that he accepts the legal instructions issued by the Regent of Karangasem and he will no longer tolerate those committing acts that bring discredit to the image ofBesakih. Coordinating the revamp of the Temples image, Ardika has issued warnings to guides, traders, parking attendants and the local people living near Besakih to follow all the rules. As regards efforts to enforce rules of behavior inside the Temple and calling for more transparency in how funds are managed, Ardika is seeking the support of young Hindu intellectuals in rebuilding Besakih's tarnished image.

On an encouraging note, Ardika noted that the number of visitors at the Temple is on the increase after declining for a period.

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Bali- The paradise Island, a timeline

by Sofia - About the Author: To learn much more about traveling to Bali, please visit Bali-Vacation Packages where you’ll find this and much more, including Seminyak Hotels

Bali is a beautiful island that is in harmony with nature. It is also known worldwide for having a unique colorful spiritual culture. Inherent in the fascinating culture are its many rituals and practices which originated thousands of years ago, and till today they have survived. Such is the endurance of Balinese culture, which in turn reflects on the deep faith and resilience of the Balinese people.
Bali’s history remained vague for the first few centuries, though many Hindu artifacts have been found, which lead back to the first century, indicating a tie with that religion.  Though it is strongly held that the first primary religion of Bali, discovered as far back as 500 AD, was Buddhism.  Additionally, Yi-Tsing, a Chinese scholar who visited Bali in the year 670 AD stated that he had visited this place and seen Buddhism there.
• 1019-1042
Hindu influence
Hindu Java began to spread its influence into Bali during the reign of King Airlangga, from 1019 to 1042. At the age of 16.

• 1284-1292
After Airlangga’s death, Bali retained its semi-independent status until Kertanagara became king of the Singasari dynasty in Java two centuries later. Kertanagara conquered Bali in 1284, but his power lasted only eight years until he was murdered and his kingdom collapsed.

• 1343
In 1343 Gajah Mada, the legendary chief minister of the Majapahit dynasty, defeated the Pejeng king Dalem Bedaulu and brought Bali back under Javanese influence.

• Late 14th Century-16th Century
Here the ‘capital’ moved to Gelgel, near modern-day Semarapura (once known as Klungkung), around the late 14th century, and for the next two centuries this was the base for the ‘king of Bali’, the Dewa Agung.The Majapahit kingdom collapsed into disputing sultanates. As the Majapahit kingdom fell apart, many of its intelligentsia moved to Bali, including the priest Nirartha, who is credit¬ed with introducing many of the complexities of Balinese religion to the island. Artists, dancers, musicians and actors also fled to Bali at this time, and the island experienced an explosion of cultural activities. The final great exodus to Bali took place in 1478.

• 1597
European Contact
The first Europeans to set foot in Bali were Dutch seafarers in 1597. When they returned to Indonesia in later years, they were interested in profit, not culture, and barely gave Bali a second glance.

• 1846--1949 Period
Fight Against the Dutch
In 1846 the Dutch used Balinese salvage claims over shipwrecks as the pretext to land military forces in northern Bali. In 1894 the Dutch chose to support the Sasaks of Lombok in a rebellion against their Balinese rajah.
That era constituted with the period of fighting against the Dutch in Bali. Those years were marked by the out break of various wars in Bali. When the Dutch won all the battles and the Klungkung kingdom fell down into their hands, this meant that Bali as a whole was under the foreign influence.

• 1906
On 20 September 1906, the Dutch mounted a naval bombardment of Denpasar and then commenced their final assault. The three rajahs of Badung (southern Bali) realised that they were outnumbered and outgunned, and that defeat was inevit¬able. Surrender and exile.Bali was now under Dutch control and became part of the Dutch East Indies. Dutch rule over Bali was short-lived, however, as Indonesia fell to the Japanese in WWII.

The sense of Indonesian nationalism began to grow after the World War I, with the young generation declaring the national language in 1928, known as Bahasa Indonesia. During the height of World War II the Japanese arrived, expelling the Dutch and ruled the country for about 3.5 years, which ended later in 1945 when Indonesia declared independent led by its very first president, Sukarno. Yet the new-born nation was only recognized by the international community as an independent country in 1949.

• Modern Bali
The tourism boom started in the early 1970s and has brought many changes. It has helped pay for improvements in roads, telecommunications, education and health. Though tourism has had some marked adverse environmental and social effects, Bali’s unique culture has proved to be remarkably resilient.

Bali, like most places, has also been affected by global politics. The 2002 Bali bombings occurred on 12 October 2002 in the tourist district of Kuta on the Indonesian island of Bali. The attack was the deadliest act of terrorism in the history of Indonesia, killing 202 people with a further 209 people injured.
The island’s vital tourist industry was dealt a severe blow. It had mostly recovered by 2005 when in October of that year , a series of terrorist suicide bomb attacks that occurred. The bombs exploded at two sites in Jimbaran and Kuta, both in south Bali. Twenty people were killed, and 129 people were injured by three bombers who killed themselves in the attacks.

The Bali government tourism office says the number of visitors dropped following the October bombings.  Normally, 5,000 to 6,000 tourists visit the island each day.  Now it is only about 2,000.  It is a big blow for a community that relies heavily on tourism.  Bali was just recovering from the 2002 bombings, with a record-breaking number of tourists in 2004.
The tourism industry in Bali is making every effort to ensure safety.  Security checks and extra officers are now standard operating procedure at malls and hotels.  The tourists are slowly coming back to Bali .Inbound tourism to Bali is rebounding strongly, with a record-high 472,000 foreign visitors for the first four months of 2007.Australians, who make up more than 15 percent of the total foreign tourist arrivals in Bali, are flocking to one of their favorite destinations.

Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

Article Tags:
a guide to bali history, guide to bali, modern bali
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The new Bali ~ Food, surf, shopping, fun and more...

Here is a great article from the New York Times.  Balifornian Tours and Travel Blog can make all these arraingements for you at a lower price.  We also know of many secrets that will do you one better than what is listed here.  While this article is quite good.  Balifornian Tours can get you even better accomodations, food, activities, etc.  Contact us today to find out how we can make your vacation, the best ever.

Asia > Indonesia > Bali

36 Hours in Bali

Justin Mott for The New York Times

Meditation area at Fivelements wellness center, near Ubud.

By NAOMI LINDT

Published: January 13, 2011 in The New York Times

MAYBE it was the topless women that the German painter Walter Spies captured in his lush landscapes of Bali during the 1930s. But ever since, foreigners have come to undress. Shirtless Australians, surfboards strapped to the side of their motorbikes, cruise around for the best waves. At five-star resorts, bronzed Italian women in tiny bikinis while away the days with wine. Farther inland, spiritual seekers wrapped in body-skimming sarongs commune in temples. The natives don’t go topless anymore, but that doesn’t stop the throngs of sunbathers who let it all hang out on Bali’s busiest beaches.

Map

Bali, Indonesia

Friday

5 p.m.

1) MODERN-DAY ARTIFACTS

Punctuated by temples hidden behind ornately carved archways and petal-filled lanes, Ubud is Bali’s artistic hub. And beyond the painted masks and shadow puppets that spill out of countless storefronts are a string of new galleries that offer one-of-a-kind treasures. Jean-François Fichot (Jalan Raya Pengosekan 6, Ubud; 62-361-974-652; jf-f.com) carries striking gem- and stone-encrusted gold jewelry and objets d’art. Next door is the Nusantara Gallery (Jalan Raya Pengosekan 7, Ubud; 62-81-797-97804), which sells rare primitive art, including wooden statues and fine weavings gathered from all over the Indonesian archipelago. And at Rio Helmi Photography (Jalan Suweta 24A, Ubud; 62-361-978-773; riohelmi.com), Mr. Helmi, who displays his own photos of Bali and elsewhere, has a new book out, “Memories of the Sacred,” that chronicles 30 years spent witnessing Bali’s enduring traditions.

7 p.m.

2) INSPIRATIONAL EATING

Culinary karma seems to emanate from Jalan Raya Sanggingan, a winding road about 15 minutes northwest of Ubud’s center. Joining Mozaic’s famed French-Asian fare and Naughty Nuri’s legendary ribs is Minami (Jalan Raya Sanggingan, Ubud; 62-361-970-013; minami-bali.com), a stylish Japanese restaurant opened in 2009 by Miho Oshiro from Osaka. You can sip a yuzu-infused sake-tini (85,000 rupiah, or about $9.75 at 8,703 rupiah to the dollar) as you settle into the baby blue, jasmine-scented dining room, which overlooks a lantern-lit garden. The six-course tasting menu (210,000 rupiah) includes melt-in-the-mouth Tasmanian salmon sashimi and tissue-papery zucchini leaf tempura. Even the flavored salt (the recipe is a secret), imported from Japan and served in a tiny bowl, is exquisite.

9:30 p.m.

3) HINT OF HAVANA

You’ll most likely have Ubud’s streets to yourself soon after dinner, but cute cocktail spots are on the rise. At Cafe Havana (Jalan Dewi Sita, Ubud; 62-361-972-973; cafehavanabali.com), salsa bands and dance classes take place among mismatched hand-painted chairs and framed photos of Che and Fidel. Drinks at artsy Lamak (Jalan Monkey Forest, Ubud; 62-361-974-668; lamakbali.com) are mixed at an open-air bar; go for the sweet yet punchy El Diablo, made of tequila, crème de cassis, lemon juice and ginger ale.

Saturday

7:45 a.m.

4) TWO-WHEELED BLISS

It’s hard not to fall for Bali while cycling its quiet back roads, which are lined with stepped rice fields, blooms in every shade of the rainbow and women in bright sarongs balancing temple offerings on their heads. Half-day tours with Bali Eco-Cycling (Jalan Pengosekan, Ubud; 62-361-975-557; baliecocycling.com; 300,000 rupiah) start with breakfast overlooking the 5,600-foot-high volcanic Mount Batur and its crater lake, followed by a caffeine kick at a coffee plantation. The mostly downhill 17-mile ride isn’t very challenging, but it is spectacularly scenic and photo-friendly.

1 p.m.

5) VIRTUOUS VEGETARIAN

Follow the dreadlocks and Aladdin pants to Kafe (Jalan Hanoman 44b, Ubud; 62-361-780-3802; balispirit.com), a sunny, art-filled cafe that is made of reclaimed wood. Run by Meghan Pappenheim, an ex-New Yorker, the hippie-chic spot serves vegan and raw food like Meg’s Big Salad Bowl — a heaping plate of greens, cabbage, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes and crunchy tofu-tempeh cubes (36,000 rupiah) — and kitcheree, a hearty stew of lentil, brown rice, ginger and turmeric (32,000). There’s also a selection of baked goods for the less virtuous.

2:30 p.m.

6) TIMED RELEASE

It took 30 months to build Fivelements (Banjar Baturning, Mambal; 62-361-469-206; fivelements.org), a stunning wellness center and five-room hotel tucked away in Mambal, a sleepy village 20 minutes by car from Ubud. Transcendental massages are offered in incense-filled rooms built of polished bamboo, reclaimed wood and spiral thatched roofs (90 minutes from $80). Post-treatment ginger-lemongrass tea is served on a private deck overlooking a bamboo forest and the Ayung River.

5:30 p.m.

7) LIGHT SHOW

Bali’s legendary sunsets can be a controversial affair. Ask around for the best perch to catch the nightly psychedelia, and you’ll get an earful. Still, there’s no denying that one of the most stylish places is the Rock Bar (Ayana Resort and Spa, Jimbaran; 62-361-702-222; ayanaresort.com), an outdoor lounge built into the cliffs at the newly opened Ayana Resort and Spa along the island’s southwestern tip. The muted, minimalist bar with interconnected decks is perched above the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean. Get there early to avoid the lines and to get a good seat (though the best are saved for hotel guests). Order a cold beer (80,000 rupiah) and watch the sun melt into the water, casting the sky in brilliant shades of pink, violet and orange.

8:30 p.m.

8) FISH WITH RICE

Seminyak, Kuta’s upscale neighbor, has become Bali’s see-and-be-seen center of night life. So it was refreshing when Sardine (Jalan Petitenget 21, Kerobakan; 62-361-738-202; sardinebali.com), an artsy down-to-earth restaurant, made everyone feel at home. With rice fields as the backdrop, diners sample what the executive chef Michael Shaheen, from California, calls “cuisine du soleil” — healthy, light food suited to hot climates. That includes just-caught seafood like pink snapper sashimi with shimeji mushrooms (65,000 rupiah) and pan-seared scallops in a parsley-truffle emulsion (195,000 rupiah).

10:30 p.m.

9) FIND THE PARTY

Bali’s beautiful people gather for drinks, jazz and D.J.-spun beats across the street at Métis (Jalan Petitenget 6, Kerobokan; 62-361-737-888; metisbali.com), a candlelit bar that’s the latest venture from the folks behind Kafe Warisan. In the center of town, design aficionados gather at Word of Mouth (Jalan Kunti 9, Seminyak; 62-361-847-5797; wordofmouthbali.com), a boutique that doubles as a cool lounge at night, with impromptu parties that have developed a loyal following (check its Facebook page for updates).

Sunday

9 a.m.

10) STAY ON YOUR FEET

Bali’s giant waves have been luring surfers since the 1960s, promising year-round swells that can soar upward of 10 feet. After spending time admiring the perfect tans and free spirits of Bali’s surfing community, you’ll very likely want to join. Surf shacks with teachers abound. To minimize first-timers’ humiliation, try a private 75-minute lesson (450,000 rupiah) with Marcy Meachin (62-812-385-9454; teachsurf.com), a talented Aussie teacher who’s spent much of the last 30 years chasing surf in Indonesia. Beginner courses are taught on Legian Beach, where the shallow waters, sandy shores and small waves provide a gentle introduction.

11:30 a.m.

11) SAND AND PIZZA

Breathtaking beaches edge the Bukit, the island’s southern peninsula. Book a car and driver to get to secluded spots like Padang Padang, an oasis of calm water shaded by soaring cliffs that was a setting for the film “Eat Pray Love.” Another stunning beach is at the Nammos Beach Club (Karma Kandara Resort; karmakandara.com), reached by a steep trail etched in a limestone cliff. Interlopers can enjoy aquamarine water for an entry fee of 250,000 rupiah, which includes 100,000 rupiah toward food. The open-air kitchen serves a mean wood-fired pizza with toppings like fig, prosciutto and Gorgonzola.

2 p.m.

12) SHOPPER’S PARADISE

Bring home some Bali chic from Jalan Laksmana, which has emerged as Seminyak’s boutique street in recent years. Try bohemian-cool Press Ban Cafe at No. 50 (62-361-730-486) for handmade wooden shoes, Jackie O. shades and fitted vintage plaid button-downs. Lily Jean (No. 102; 62-361-847-5872; lily-jean.com) carries sexy strapless jersey pantsuits and bandaged cocktail dresses. And Simplekonsepstore (No. 40; 62-361-730-393; sksbali.com) prides itself on one-of-a-kind design: limited-edition graphic T-shirts, origami-inspired bags and hand-dyed tunics that reinvent Bali’s rich tradition of batik in totally unexpected ways.

IF YOU GO

The 20 chocolate- and toffee-hued villas at Uma Sapna (Jalan Drupadi No. 20 Basangkasa, Seminyak; 62-361-736-628; coconuthomes.com) come with private pools and outdoor patios. Seminyak’s shops are within walking distance and the beach is a short cab ride away. Doubles from $175.

The W Retreat & Spa Bali-Seminyak (Jalan Petitenget, Seminyak; 62-361-738-106; whotels.com/bali) is expected to open in March or April, with 237 rooms offering knockout water views. Doubles from $575.



Staying safe in Bali ~ Asbestos

Balifornian Tours and Travel Blog is an eco-tourist business and as such we go out of our way to make sure you and your family is not only safe but travel in an eco-friendly manner.  The hotels, meals and activites are choosen specifically for thier safety and eco-friendly reputation.  Please ask us how we can make your vacation the very best it can be.

Here is an article from a guest blogger, Matt Phillips

We thank Matt for his informative and important blog post.

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Asbestos in Bali and Indonesia

Most people are at least marginally aware of the dangers of asbestos, a naturally-occurring mineral often used in insulation and fireproofing materials.  Though the substance was banned in the United States in 1977 and in many other countries soon after, some less industrialized nations may still be using it in common construction materials.  Asbestos is naturally heat resistant, strong, and durable, and thus is used in areas where extreme temperatures are present – such as pipes, ducts, or boilers – as well as in insulation and roofing materials.

Asbestos is so dangerous because its fibers may become lodged in the lining of the lungs, causing a number of health problems including mesothelioma.  Symptoms of mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung, may take between 20 and 50 years to manifest, and are often confused with other, more common lung conditions.  Because of this, the cancer is rarely diagnosed until its later stages, making it especially deadly.

Sadly, asbestos use has not been outlawed through much of Asia, and Indonesia still imports the raw mineral from Canada, Brazil, and Russia.  While groups like the Indonesian Ban Asbestos Network, or Ina-Ban, are hard at work trying to bar the use of asbestos in construction and other materials, the cheapness and effectiveness of the mineral mean that it is still being used.

While a casual traveler may never encounter asbestos at all in Bali, it pays to be aware of the possible danger.  Fortunately, asbestos is generally harmless when intact, but when the material containing it is cut, broken, or damaged, the asbestos fibers can become airborne, and this is when they become dangerous.  Travelers should steer clear of any construction sites, as these asbestos-containing materials may be sawed, sanded, or otherwise manipulated in a way that will release the fibers.

Call ahead to ask if your hotel or hostel is undergoing any renovation.  If this is the case, you may want to choose another place to stay.  If possible, stay in newer, recently constructed buildings.  If your room appears to have any damaged or fraying insulation materials, ask to be moved.  Though short periods of exposure to low levels of asbestos generally do not have long-term consequences, you can never be too careful when it comes to your health.  Mesothelioma symptoms are tragic and painful, but nearly always linked to asbestos exposure, and as such are largely avoidable.



The perfect Honeymoon ~ Bali, Indonesia

Balifornian Tours and Travel Blog has very special honeymoon packages both private and for your wedding party.  We had our wedding in Indonesia last year and had the honeymoon only avalible to the stars but at an increadible low price.  Contact us today so we can design the most romantic honeymoon imaginable at a price that wont break your bank! ~ ed.

Maryam and Michael on thier honeymoon in Bali, Indonesia.  Balifornian Tours and Travel Blog 2010

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My Postcard: Bali

Newlywed Shivani Landie found bliss in Bali

from The Times Live By Newlywed Shivani Landie

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After a 13-hour flight via Malaysia to Bali, we were relieved to finally touch down in Denpasar and begin our holiday.

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Bali was the perfect destination to celebrate our first Christmas as a married couple and my husband, Denzel's, 30th birthday; it was everything we imagined and more.

The beautiful beaches of Nusa Dua, the hustle and bustle of Kuta and artistic villages of Ubud, overlooked by the majestic volcano Mount Kintamani, created the perfect cocktail for a great holiday.  Shopping, going for spa treatments and enjoying local dishes like Goreng, fresh seafood, and of course, an endless supply of the local beers, Bintang and Bali Hai, became our daily routine, along with relaxing on the idyllic beaches.

The hospitality of the locals was simply amazing, specifically the staff at our resort, the Aston Bali, who arranged a beautiful candle-lit dinner on the beach, with fireworks lighting the sky and a ballad-singing trio, making my husband's birthday one to remember.  Bali is a must-see holiday destination, especially if you are looking to relax on the beach, enjoy water sports, shop and be thoroughly pampered. We will definitely go back.

Tag- Honeymoon, bali travel, newlywed, bali romance, romantic get away, pampered, luxury, bali luxury