Bali Arts Festival 2012

Pesta Kesenian Bali, The 34th annual Bali Arts Festival 2012

The 34th annual Bali Arts Festival

The 34th annual Bali Arts Festival or Pesta Kesenian Bali is currently taking place in Denpasar, Bali. We have had the esteemed pleasure to participate and we wanted to thank Bali Governor I Made Mangku Pastika and his staff for their generosity and hospitality both at The Bali Arts Festival and at his private residence. We would also like to thank the staff of The Bali Arts Festival for their hospitality.

The Bali Arts Festival lasts for a full month and showcases the classical and contemporary art and culture of Bali. Fine art, dance, craft, music, culinary and more are selected from villages around Bali and given a national stage in which to exhibit thier expertice.

Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika, Artist Made Wianta and Professor Michael Doliveck before the presentation Indonesia's most celebrated contemparary artist Made Wianta was on hand and always creates excitement. Made Wianta was born in Tabanan, Bali and has created thousands of artworks. He is known worldwide for his bold and kenetic paintings but he is also an accomplished poet and beleives deeply in envirenmental awareness and social responsibility. His mastery of color and form are showcased in his powerful multimedia paintings and instilations. We would like to thank him and his family for thier continued support, friendship and generosity.

Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika's speech at the presentationBali Governor I Made Mangku Pastika made an impassioned speech at the presentation about the importance of the traditional arts of Bali and preserving the culture of this small island with a big presence. Joining The Governer on the deus are Burat Wangi, Intan Kirana Wianta and Putu Maryam Doliveck.

Bali's Governor signs some artworkBali's Governor I Made Mangku Pastika signs some of the artist's artwork after the presentation.

Bali Arts Festival 2012 celebrating the traditional culture and arts of Bali

Bali Governor I Made Mangku Pastika, Indonesia's most famous artist Made Wianta, and Professor Michael Doliveck share a jovial moment after the presentation.

Thanks again to all who helped to make this a special day. 

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 Bali Aga of Tenganan ~ A Photo Essay

The Bali Aga of Tenganan, Bali, Indonesia

A young Bali Aga girl stands amongst colorful weavings

The Bali Aga are known as the original Balinese people and predate Hinduism in Bali.  They are a unique ethnic group that lived on the island of Bali before modern civilization. These original inhabitants of Bali fled imperialistic invaders, eventually finding refuge in the solitude of Bali's remote mountains. Today, only two villages remain, which until recently, were firmly and purposfully shut off from the rest of the world. The main temple in the village dates back to the 10 century AD (833 Caka) but the village itself is said to be much older than the temple.

Two Bali Aga Pendanda (High Priests) enter the ceremonial grounds with thier sacred Kris (swords)

Located just west of Candi Dasa and Amed lie the villages of Tenganan and Trunyan. The Bali Aga produce fine baskets and weavings and a special double weave ikat, called geringsing.  These highly sought after artworks are unique to the small region and not available any where else. A true Aga Ikat can take over 5 years to create and they are primarily used in religious ceremonies.

The Tenganan’s provide a look into early Bali but the society has very strict rules.  It can be dangerous for outsiders and is not recommended without an experienced guide.  Please contact us directly for assistance when attempting to visit this interesting but possibly dangerous area.

There are only 600 Bali Aga families in Tenganan, and locals are forbidden to marry people from outside of the village. If they do, their family is banished from the village for life.   

Young Bali Aga girls look on in thier ceremonial dress as the ceremony is about to begin

For more on The Bali Aga please see

http://www.balifornian.com/blog/2010/12/24/tenganan-and-the-bali-aga-the-real-old-school-bali.html

A beautiful young Bali Aga girl smiles as she is lead to the ceremonyAlso the Bali Aga culture practices an ancient ritual known as mekare kare, which is a ritual blood sacrifice.  Stay tuned for more on this rite and photos from the fighting ceremony.

An elder Bali Aga woman watches intently from her doorwayHappy and safe travels,

The Balifornian Team

Ngaben; The Traditional Balinese Cremation Ceremony

These photos are from a traditional Balinese cremation ceremony, or Ngaben, in Sangeh, Bali, Indonesia from our 2011 Balifornian Culture Tour.  Sangeh is located about 40 minutes north west of Ubud in the Badung Regency and home to Bukit Sari monkey forest and Temple, Pura Bukit Sari which dates back to the 17th century.

Ngaben, The traditional Balinese cremation ceremony

According to Balinese tradition, this village is revered in The Ramayana. The epic Hindu poem discusses the legend of the monkey god Hanuman who must kill the evil demon Rawana who has taken over the colossal cosmic mountain named Mahameru. Mahameru was home to large Nutmeg trees filled with happy monkeys. One day a section of the mountain fell to earth onto the village of Sangeh and there have been monkeys here ever since. The tall nutmeg trees that surround the temple are found nowhere else on the island and have remained a sacred mystery.

Our good friend, Gung Adi, who’s family has lived in Sangeh for generations, invited me to partake in The Balinese Hindu cremation ceremonies taking place in his village. 

The Ngaben ritual which is executed to return the deceased soul and the five elements to heaven by burning the dead body in an elaborate ceremony which is followed by Hindu ritual procession.  It is among the most renowned cultural activities in the world for adhering to its ancient roots, dating back over a thousand years. The fortunate exception that has thankfully broken from ancient tradition is that the wives of the deceased no longer throw themselves onto the flaming funeral pyres as their dead husbands are cremated.

The ceremony and traditions involved in this powerful and striking ritual are covered in depth and stunning footage in the upcoming Balifornian Film’s documentary.

The Ultimate Adventure Expedition ~ West Papua

Balifornian Tours announces The Ultimate Adventure Expedition.  We will be touring Bali and then head off to one of the most remote regions left in the world, West Papua also know as Western New Guinea (formerly Irian Jaya). 

Its beauty and magnificence is unparalleled from its pristine beaches, ultra rare flora and fauna and the deep traditions of its tribes, which have been virtually untouched by outside influences. 

Travel is difficult on this tropical island for many reasons from snow capped rugged mountains to some of the most impenetrable jungles.  Many areas of this remote island are off limits to tourists and others require permits, but we will have unique access, as we will be chaperoned by local officials and members of the military. 

This is a once in a lifetime trip allowing you to interact with former headhunting and cannibalistic tribes of primitive cultures whose development is said to have ended in the Neolithic period (younger Stone Age).  We will be making a documentary film during this tour in which you can participate (and be credited). 

This expedition is for experienced travelers and requires extreme sensitivity and thus the exploratory party will be limited to only a small group.  If you are interested, please contact us ASAP papua@balifornian.com as we depart in June 2011.  For more information go to http://www.balifornian.com

Balifornian Tours ~ Best Tours.  Best Adventure.  Best Experience.  Photos above from Public Domian.

Update on Friday, March 18, 2011 at 4:25PM by Michael Doliveck

Update:

The response has been strong so I wanted to provide a bit more information.  We have a great opportunity here and I am working hard to get everything arranged.  Some details are still being worked out as it always is with these projects.  

If you do have strong interest, I am happy to provide more information.  I'd say you would need to buy air fare before too long as prices are predicted to rise due to oil prices worldwide but now they are still reasonable, though a bit more than usual for this time.  All team members are responsible for their own expenses.
The plans are liquid at this point as we are still gathering information and coordinating with our contacts in Papua.  I think we are looking at 8-14 days there and I am trying to lengthen it.  We will be in Bali for a couple weeks as well.  Papua is a bit pricier than other spots in Indo but still very reasonable and we will be able to save money by traveling with family (who also conveniently lead the Navy).  I can take care of all the permits and coordination.  It looks like we may have a small crew of videographers so its shaping up to be a great trip.  The rubber dates to be in Papua are June 22- July 6th or so.  All we ask is that, all footage gathered would remain the sole property of the shooter, but we be given permission to be used in the documentary we are producing.  All credits will be given to the shooter in the film and we are still filling positions (editor, sound tech, etc.)
I have a great travel agent if you want his name.

Thank you,
Michael

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Prof. Michael Doliveck ~ Balifornian Tours and Travel Blog ~ Your best source of news and information of Bali and Indonesia
m@balifornian.com