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. 

Another amazing day of Bali surf at Uluwatu.

Pura Uluwatu is one of Bali's most striking temples and it looks out onto one of the best known waves in the world. Uluwatu is almost always working as it consists of several breaks next to one another. These include The Racetrack, Temples, The Peak and when its really big, Outside Corner and The Bombie pump as well.

Recognized as one of the best surf breaks in all the world, Uluwatu in Bali never dissapoints.

Uluwatu is in the Southwest tip of Bali on the Bukit Penninsula. Due to its fame and the fact that it almost always has some swell, it can get crowded. Its best to come early and never drop in on the locals. It is an exposed reef break and for experienced surfers only. It can be sketchy as you need to paddle out through a cave and the current is quite strong. Please contact us if you are headed there for the first time as there are many things to know before attempting to surf Uluwatu. 

A surfer shreds Uluwatu's The Peak break in Bali's bukit penninsula.Bring your booties, have a very strong leash and watch the tides and the shallow reef. If you don't want to test yourself, just kick back with a Bintang at one of the restaurants carved into the cliffs for a spectacular view.

A surfer shreds Uluwatu's The Peak break in Bali's bukit penninsula.I am always shocked when I return to Uluwatu as there are now many hotels, villas, restaurants, etc. It was not too many years ago when there was just one place to stay. But surfers want surf and Uluwatu always delivers. We have found an even better place in Sumbawa though and we will be surfing Scar Reef with just a couple friends soon! But don't tell anyone.

I would be remiss to make a blog post on Ulu and not discuss the Temple. So here is one last shot from the Temple above. Want to shoot surf photography? Check out our new photo tours! Just click here.

A monkey ponders the moon at Bali's sacred Uluwatu Temple.

For more photos check out our gallery and let us know what you think!

Have you surfed in Bali? Please leave your comments below. We'd love to hear from you.

Bali Sunsets ~ Seminyak Beach from La Plancha

When we happen to be in upscale Seminyak in the early evening, one of our favorite things to do is head to the beach and enjoy a mojito at La Plancha. I know its a bit trendy but thats Seminyak. There are many other great little spots at the beach but I like the chill music selections and the atmosphere.

Another spectacular sunset in BaliWe recently took our tour group there and here are some shots of the sunset from the balcony.

Bali sunset from La Plancha in SeminyakHorses on the beach, chill music and a cold mojito make for a great Bali sunsetAfter the sunsets, the tables turn into lights, the DJ gets spinning and it turns into a proper beach party.

Balifornian Tours and Travel Blog 2012Come have a mojito with us! And come take photos with us...

Just announced ~ The Bali Deep Culture Photography Tour ~ Oct 19-26 ~ Click here to reserve your spot today!

Bali Photo of the Day ~ Beach Boys Loving Life in Sanur ~ Balifornian Villas and Tours

Our Art and Culture Tour stopped by beautiful Sanur Beach yesterday to photograph the fisherman, the colorful painted catamarans and the many photographic opportunities avalible on one of Bali's best beaches. Thats all the encouragement this fun-loving group of young boys needed to willingly pose for some fun shots.

Beach boys loving life on Sanur Beach in BaliIf you like photography and want to learn to take better images what better way to do it then in paradise on our newly released Culture and Photography tour

Bali~ Deep Culture Photography Tour. October 19th-26th, 2012

The September tour is already sold out but spots are still avalible for the October tour. Click here for more information.
Deep cultural submersion, professional guidance and instruction, and personal enrichment. Not only will you be exposed to exquisite natural beauty and ancient culture unlike any other on the planet, you will be lead by experienced guides in well-appointed accommodations. This unique tour is far from a generic tourist trip to a paradise island. Each location has been carefully selected for its photographic challenges and rewards. It has taken decades of experience to create this tour and we welcome you to join us for eight days in Bali’s fascinating and vibrant culture, its majestic natural landscape and the warmth and generosity of its people.
For full information please go to
www.balifornian.com/bali-photography-tour-intensiv/
and sign up today to reserve your spot.

These small custom tours only allow 12 people so you get more instruction and the locations YOU want.

Happy travels!

Bali~ Deep Culture Photography Tour. Update

Hello!

Wow. The response and feedback from our newly announced

Bali~ Deep Culture Photography Tour. October 19th-26th, 2012

has been phenominal. Thank you for your interest and kind comments.  One tour is already sold out so if you are interested or you know of anyone that loves photography and travel and wants to learn more here in Bali paradise, please pass on the link- http://www.balifornian.com/bali-photography-tour-intensiv/

There is no other tour out there quite like this one with its mix of authentic cultural submersion, photography workshops and instruction and quality accomodations that we have put together. Other photo tours of Bali sell for $1000 more than ours as well.

Bali Photography Tours offer deep cultural submersion and photo instruction in paradiseCheck it out today and just let us know if you have any questions.

Warm regards,

Michael