Bali Photo of the Day ~ Bali Surf and Yoga Retreat

Today's Bali photo comes from a surf outing with our Surf and Yoga Retreat group to Bali's most famous surf break, Uluwatu.

The Bali Surf and Yoga Retreat was run through Bali Floating Leaf Eco Retreat and they provided this amazing image. They also provide surf villas and all you need to have an epic surf vacation in Bali.

For more on surfing in Bali, Uluwatu, awesome surf photos from Bali and insider's tips, just click How to Surf Bali ~ Uluwatu ~ An Illustrated Guide [Photos]

Surfing Bali ~ Tips tricks and Insider Info

Why Sumbawa should be on your Eco-Travel Itinerary

The rugged beauty of Sumbawa

Sumbawa is an ultra rugged large landmass with Lombok to the West and Flores to the East.  It’s not to be confused with the island of Sumba, which lies to its South East.  Sumbawa is indeed large. It’s bigger than Bali and Lombok combined (and then some).  The scenic island is hard to get to and does not offer a robust infrastructure, but the adventure loving traveler is rewarded with unspoiled beaches of turquoise waters, world class surf and welcoming and gracious locals.

Watching hundreds of uninhabited islands go by on the ferry ride from Lombok to Sumbawa

Indonesia's Volcanos and The Ring of Fire

It is an island of angular and twisting peninsulas, deep protected bays, forested mountains, and of course Mount Tambora, the infamous volcano that is responsible for killing over 72,000 in one eruption.  Sumbawa, as the rest of the 14,000 Indonesian islands, sits directly upon The Ring of Fire. The infamous explosion took place in April, 1815 and is considered the most destructive volcanic eruption in modern history. It spewed 100 cubic kilometers (24 cu mi) of ash into the atmosphere, causing the “year without summer”.  Very few crops could be produced following the eruption as the ash blocked out the sun causing the deaths of thousands more worldwide.

The beautiful and plentiful islands off Sumbawa's coast provide endless adventure for the eco-tourist

Sumbawa is a Surfer's Paradise

Historically, Sumbawa was invaded by Western marauders for its honey, wild horses and sandalwood. Today, Sumbawa is known for surfing boasting several world-class surf breaks. The most well known surf spots include Lakey Peak, Cobblestones and Onnie’s Right, but there are many more exceptional breaks like Benete, Nungas, Periscopes, Yo-Yo’s and the ominously and perhaps unfortunately aptly named Scar Reef and Super Suck. Most breaks are for good to experienced surfers but Benete, Lakey, Periscopes and Scar Reef are best left for the more expert level surfers. Sumbawa receives great surf year round but the best swells are generally from April to September. If you are interested, please contact us or research the surf camps at Dompu (Lakey), Sekongkang and Hu’u. One last surf note, tides really determine the conditions here, so it is important to have a tide table handy.

Ripping Surf Breaks Await the Traveling Surfer in Sumbawa

What if you don't surf?

Despite the fact that not many travelers explore this scenic island, it is a wonderful place to visit even if you don't surf.  In fact, Sumbawa’s slogan is B E S A R which means 'big' in Bahasa Indonesia and the letters of the slogan stand for Bersih, Elok, Sehat, Aman damai, Rapi. Roughly translated, that means Clean, Beautiful, Healthy, Peaceful and Neat.

Sadly, the island is not without its challenges. Sumbawa is poor, and health and education are very much at the development stage. The infrastructure is in its nascent stages and there are a couple good roads, but for the most part, travel is difficult across the sprawling island. In just a matter of minutes we almost collided with other cars, dozens of motor bikes, huge pot holes, cows, dogs, cats, chickens, goats, some unidentifiable animals, people just hanging out in the roads and other obstacles.

Children play along the coast overlooking clear turquoise water

To compound the struggles the good people of Sumbawa are faced with, the mega-corporation Newmont and its partners have invested almost $2 billion USD in an enormous copper mine, making Batu Hijau one of the largest mines in the world. Little if anything is done to protect the island and the company is straight raping the land and leaving muddy, polluted messes for the poor native peoples. Newmont has been involved in many scandals including mercury and arsenic poisoning here in Sulawesi not to mention the ongoing pollution cases on four continents.  It is appallingly sad that this continues and permits have already been issued by corrupt politicians to allow further pillaging until 2034.

This blog post continues below

Rugged volcanic rock dot the perfect white sandy beaches of Sumbawa recalling deadly eruptions of Mount Tambora

Sumbawa is a must for the eco-adventure traveler

The pace of life in Sumbawa is chill and slow. People sit together and eat delicious fresh food and enjoy the rustic natural beauty of the island. That is not to say that they are not dedicated and hard working folk. Local people are predominantly Muslim but traditional beliefs and practices also continue to influence daily life. There are two main cultural groups in Sumbawa. Generally, the Tau Samawa live in the west and the Dou Mbojo inhabit the east.

The generous and friendly people of Sumbawa enjoy a slow paced lifestyle and appreciate the bounty of beauty that surround them

Traditional living and ancient rituals await the eco-adventure traveler

In parts of Sumbawa, traditional ways of living continue today and I urge you to get out into the villages to observe this interesting way of life. While you are there, see what you can do to help like donate time, clothing, gear or just play with the children and share with them. Many of the ancient rituals are still performed such as water buffalo racing and berempuk, which is an exciting ritual boxing match.  Try to find a guide who can take you into these villages as entering them by yourself may be perceived as unwelcomed.  We can certainly assist you and have some wonderful contacts that would be delighted to help you, as it is difficult to find accommodations and your way around on your own.  Please contact us and we would be happy to help.

Great Surf, White Sand Beaches and Pristine Water make Sumbawa a perfect adventure for the eco-traveler

Sustainable living and caring for the land

The people have learned to live of the land and have deep respect for the natural resources.  We were lucky to spend time with our extended family and my wife’s uncle, despite his advancing age, is still a ‘super forest man’. I consider myself a capable outdoorsman but I could barely keep up with his pace through the jungle. Treading through dense brush barefoot, finding paths I could never see, with machete in hand showing me all kinds of plants used for shelter, first aid, food, water and more. He has build beautiful, strong and sustainable buildings from bamboo for his family and his coveted bonsai trees are a true work of art.

Only two islands over, Sumbawa is a world away from Bali and its luxurious accommodations but the adventure traveler can learn and experience a great deal on this storied island.  For more information and help planning your adventure to Sumbawa, please contact us today.

Heading back to Bali after an amazing adventure to rugged but beautiful Sumbawa

A huge thank you to the lovely people of Sumbawa and now Back to Bali

"The Blog that will never be posted” ~ or ~ “How to be a Location Independent Digital Nomad"

This is part 1 of 3. For part 2 please click here and for part 3 please click here.

My adventures to be a Location Independent Digital Nomad

When I sat down to think of my next blog idea, I wanted to write another blog to help people in their travels as per usual. I didn't think to write about myself. But perhaps, the metamorphosis we are currently undergoing may be a valuable message to pass on.  In fact, this was written over a month ago in a word document entitled, “The blog that will never be posted”. But after sitting on it for a while, I am OK sharing this, as my hope is that it can motivate others. Also, many friends and followers on Twitter, Facebook, et al. keep asking "What the hell am I doing leaving an plush home on the ocean in picturesque Morro Bay, California".

The beautiful people and culture of Bali help make the transition easier

Well, let me attempt to explain. So I have this professor gig that I have been doing for the last 17 years or so.  I am passionate about teaching, passionate about the opportunity to help others on their career paths, share my love of art, and all a committed teacher should be.  About 6 years ago, I moved out of the studio classroom and moved all of my teaching online.  I loved the freedom this provided and I was able to travel the world and still keep my professor gig.

Pretty sweet, right? Well sure, but it’s a different game online. It’s not the passion pursuit it was in the classroom, the late nights with the students passionately making art and feeling the collective buzz of creation and hard work. Online is a different animal. I won’t go so far to say its glorified data entry, as there is still some teaching going on. But, by never actually meeting the students, seeing their faces when they achieve that AHA moment, or not knowing much about them at all aside from some student ID numbers, its challenging to have that connection. 

That being said, I thought it was a good trade off as I am able to follow other passions and “passion following” has been my motto since I first learned it was a concept back in high school by reading the great Joseph Campbell.  It was a good trade off. So I am not as passionate about the craft of teaching, but I can travel, do my other business; live in an incredible place away from the BS of LA.  It was great…. For a while…

Even though I was in beautiful Morro Bay, California with access to wilderness, kayaking, surfing, hiking with our dog in the mountains, etc. I still found myself not pursuing my dreams as much as I could be.  Fine tequila, too much TV, working for the man… It became a bit too routine. Routine is fine actually but it was trending toward dispassionate.  My school and I, well lets say we don't agree with each others practices as much as we could, so time was ripe for a change.

How to be a Location Independent Digital Nomad

I have been devouring every crumb of knowledge I could stuff in my slightly greying head about how to create a website and blog that generated an income.  I have started implementing some of what I was able to glean from smarter folks than I (see here for a list of helpful sites by inspiring and bright entrepreneurs) and lo and behold, the money is starting to trickle in.  It’s still the nascent stages and I am not expecting too much at this stage but its progress and it’s exciting to see.

So where am I going with this? Well having my fill of the presidential race (I refuse to spend my brain time on the topic, politicians are all the same), listening to people carry on about The Academy Awards (Hollywood sucking its own #%*!), or any number of mind numbing chatter that is supposed to be relevant, its time for a change.  

Please click here for Part 2- Much more info...

Please send me an email to subscribe to our blog to watch our progress as we build our dream here in Bali.

Where to Gods live- Bali's massive Gunung Batur Volcano

How to be a Location Independent Digital Nomad, Part 3- The List

This is part 3 of 3. For part 1 please click here and for part 2 please click here.

The Digital Nomad ~ Bali Style

Here is that list of blogs I devoured to help understand how to become location independent and make some extra income through blogging. And you can always ask me for help as well.

Location independence- Bali Bliss

Barbara Weibel writes http://holeinthedonut.com/

Megan from http://52cups.tumblr.com/

The "dudes" from http://www.traveldudes.org/ 

Pat Flynn of http://www.smartpassiveincome.com/about/

Steve Pavlina of http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2006/07/10-reasons-you-should-never-get-a-job/

Iain Mallory writes www.malloryontravel.com

Nora Dunn at http://www.wisebread.com/location-independent-career-basics

Cody writes http://www.thrillingheroics.com/location-independent-lifestyle/

Chris C. Ducker from http://www.outsourcetothephilippines.com/about/

Chris at http://www.myeggnoodles.com/

Paul writes http://www.paulgraham.com/wealth.html

And here is Dan’s list of many more- http://www.tropicalmba.com/the-blogs-and-podcasts-that-i-currently-subscribe-to-and-why/

There are dozens more and the links above will help you find many other helpful and inspiring sources of how to live in Asia or anywhere else you love and how to earn income through blogging.

A quick disclaimer: sites offering to teach you how to become independently wealthy overnight by paying them $499 or whatever may be helpful, but all the information is out there, for free. So do your due diligence as its not rocket science and you don't need to reinvent the wheel.  The links above can help save time and provide resources to get you on your way.  Don’t expect success, or any income at all, in the short term as it takes time to build readership and credibility.  And SEO takes time too. Please don't fall for the black hat techniques used by people who promise the first page of Google in a week, or month, or whatever.  Quality content is king. Be yourself, share your passion and it will be appreciated.

 Bali Happiness- Digital Nomad Style

Please send me an email to subscribe to our blog to watch our progress as we build our dream here in Bali.  And if you have any comments or links you would like to share regarding location independence and the digital nomadic lifestyle, please comment below.

Heres to your success!

Michael and Maryam

The Human Blood Sacrifice Ritual of The Bali Aga

As discussed in previous blog posts (here and here), The Bali Aga or Bali Mula is a little known ethnic group on the paradise island of Bali and they provide an incredibly unique look back to Bali’s past and serve as a living museum of a 17^th century lifestyle. 

The Bali Aga village of Tenganan hosts the bloody ceremony of Mekare KareThey are a secretive and private group whose ancestors predate Hinduism in Bali.  Culturally they are quite different from the rest of Bali’s population and have clung tightly to their history and ceremonies that are unlike any others on the island or the rest of Indonesia.

Two youg Bali Aga boys battle during Mekare Kare

Only two Bali Aga villages remain.  The villages of Tenganan and Trunyan are located North West of Candi Dasa and Amed, in Eastern Bali and both are a stronghold of ancient native traditions.

The Human Blood Sacrifice Ritual of The Bali Aga

The Tenganans still practice an ancient rite known as Mekare Kare, which is a ritual blood sacrifice. This annual ritual fighting of its tribe members is a sight unlike any other that I have seen in South East Asia.  Mekare Kare is the highlight of the 3 day Udaba Samba celebration that occurs in May or June. 

The mediator struggles to maintain control during the blood sacrifice ritualI have been to many villages that hold fighting ceremonies between male combatants with all manner of weapons including bamboo poles, whips, swords, shields, animal parts, etc.  Many tend to be tame and are more of a ceremonial fight than actual combat. (That’s easy for me to say as I stand on the sideline with my camera.)  While there is bloodshed and fierce competition at times during the Mekare Kare battle, the combatants always leave with a smile and maintain love for one another.  But lets be clear, these fighters are armed with razor sharp weapons that do damage and cause great pain.

The Pandanus Tree provides the razor sharp weapons used in the blood ritualPreperation for the Bali Aga ceremony

In the days preceding the big event the thorny Pandanus tree, much like a succulent, with razor sharp spines are harvested and compiled into packets of ten leaves at a length of approximately 14 inches (36 centimeters).  They also carry a rattan-woven shield to protect them from their opponent’s attempts to smack and rake the thorns into his flesh.

A bundle of Pandanus leaves create the weapon used in the Bali Aga Ceremony

Before the fight commences, participants drink rice wine or tuak (a strong fermented local palm alcohol- for more on tuak, click here).  This ritual symbolizes the brotherhood and love amongst the tribe. The fighting is judged and managed by a mediator who looks out for the safety of all combatants and makes sure no one falls off the platform or suffers injuries inconsistent with the battle proper. Battles last 5 to 10 minutes and the fighter who inflicted the most damage and draw the most blood with the thorny weapon is crowned the victor.

The crowd shouts and brandishes thier Pandan weapons during the ritual fighting

The Blood Sacrifice Battle of The Bali Aga

Early in the ceremony the young boys face off against one another and subsequent matches pit older opponents against one another.

Young boys are the first combatants in the Bali Aga ritual blood sacrificeAfter the battle a special traditional liquid medicine is administered to the injured (which tends to be just about everyone). Then the entire village prepares food and drink for an elaborate feast, which must follow the Balinese sacrifice of human blood.

The battle scars from the blood sacrifice ritual in Bali, Indonesia

I want to reiterate that travel into these parts of Bali is not for everyone and can result in violence if the traveler is unaccustomed to the ways of the Bali Aga.  It is highly recommended to use the services of a guide or tour company like Balifornian or the many other qualified and knowledgeable companies in Bali.

The big men take thier turn battling it out during the Mekare KareHave you seen a unique ceremony or ritual like this in your travels?  Please leave a comment below and tell us about it.

Happy (and safe) Travels from The Balifonians!