Your Bali Photos of the Day ~ Lake Reflection of Temple in Bali ~ Balifornian Villas and Tours

Sangeh village, about 20 km north of Denpasar, houses the Pura Bukit Sari Temple built around the 17th century. A shrine or plankiran reflects in the lake of Bukit Sari Temple located in Sangeh, Bali.  Inside The Bali Sangeh Monkey Forest in southwestern Bali grow enormous nutmeg trees over 40m high. The trees are a mystery as they grow nowhere else in Bali and are believed to be sacred.  The monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) of the forest are also believed to be sacred and they interact with those paying their respects at the beautiful temple.

The Temple in The Sangeh Village Monkey Forest in Southwestern Bali. Balifornian Villas and Tours 2011.Balifornian Villas and Tours wishes you the most joyous and prosperous Holiday Season and safe and exciting journeys in the New Year.

Bali and Indo Surf Film- Balifornian Villas and Tours

Hello Balifornians!

Today we bring you a great little surf video from various breaks in Indonesia.  The surfing is top notch, matched only by the epic surf spots where it was filmed.  This short video by Ricardo Borghi was shot in Indo locations from North Sumatra to Bali and contains some secret spots, big barrels, clean water and beautiful scenery.  Enjoy!

Your Bali Photos of the Day ~ Bad Ass Rice Farmer of Bali ~ Balifornian Villas and Tours

Hello Balifornians!

We have a double shot for you today.  I was able to capture a shot of this bad ass rice farmer outside of Amed, Bali amongst the electric green rice fields of Eastern Bali, Indonesia.  These folks work extremely hard and here Nyoman takes a well deserved break with a hand-rolled cigarette.  His machete gleams in the sun and his stoic nature is apparent.  I have great admiration for these men and women who lead a rough life but are so kind, humble and good spirited . They provide a crucial role in Bali and provide food to the island.

A rice farmer in Bali takes a smoke break- Balifornian Villas and Tours 2011I also wanted to include the following image to give some added perspective of the location and its beauty.

The luch rice terraces of eastern Bali. Balifornian Villas and Tours 2011.Our new villas overlook rice field like this and are just minutes away from world-class surf breaks as well.  Check them out here.  Happy holidays to all and a healthy and happy new year from all of us at Balifornian Villas and Tours.

How are you celebrating the holidays?

Your Bali Photo of the Day ~ Glorious Rice Terraces of Bali ~ Balifornian Villas and Tours

Hello Balifornians!

Todays image was taken just outside of the old fishing village of Amed in Eastern Bali.  These days Amed is more of a scuba and snorkeling town with several good priced hotels right on the beach, some tasty restaurants and even some nightlife.  Please see our blog post on Amed for all the ins and outs and some great tips for a perfect stay and contact us with any questions.

Vibrant green rice terraces cover the beautiful landscape outside of Amed, Bali, Indonesia. Balifornian Villas and Tours. 2011We highly recommend a stop in Amed as it is a relaxing little town without the crush of tons of tourists.

Happy holidays to all our loyal readers and tour participants and come see us in Bali soon!

Salamat jalan,

Mikaku and Putu

Your Bali Photo of the Day ~ Galungan ceremony in Singaraja ~ Balifornian Villas and Tours

Todays photo is also from the Galungan Holiday celebration in Bali.  Here devotees of Balinese Hinduism gather at the temple amidst bright green rice fields to pray for thier ancestors and the victory of good over evil- sekala and niskala.  Galungan dates back to 882 AD and despite a short time in 1181 AD when it was banned for no apparent reason, it was reinstated in 1204 AD in the reign of King Jayakasunu and it has been celebrated as one of the most important and most joyous holidays in the Balinese calendar.

Balinese Hudus gather at the temple to pray during the Galungan holiday in Singaraja, Bali. Balifornian Villas and ToursOn the day before Galungan, called Penampahan - from nampah meaning to slaughter an animal-pigs or turtles are killed for the traditional Galungan morning feasts. Featured in this feast includes babi guling (roasted pig), traditional lawar (a spicy hash of mixed vegetables teamed with meat and often fresh pig's blood).

Let us help you plan you next vacation. Contact Balifornian Villas and Tours today and ask how we can make your next trip, the trip of a lifetime.