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

Putu and friends carry offerings to the main temple in Singaraja during the holiday of Galungan.  Singaraja is in Bali's northern district of Buleleng just east of Lovina. It's name translates to Lion King. Galungan is one of the biggest Balinese holidays and it occurs every 210 and lasts for ten days until the holiday of Kunigan.  The Balinese Gods and ancestors come to earth during the ten day celebration.  Its a very special day for families and sacred for all Balinese Hindus as they are reminded to live a life of Dharma.

Villagers in Singaraja, Bali carry offerings in procession to the temple for Galungan HolidayBalifornian Villas and Tours can help you experience the best of Bali. Contact us today and come visit with us in paradise.

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Photo of the Day ~ Surfer rips Keremas Beach ~ Balifornian Villas, Tours and Travel Blog

Our friend and great young surfer Mas Ricko shreads the waves at Keramas Beach.  This was a fairly mild day of waves but this little known break (by foreigners) is perhaps the most publicized 'new' break in all of Bali.  Known for years by surf pros and locals as being one of the best spots on the island, the new Sunrise Road has opened up access to this amazing surf spot.  Few accommodations and restaurants in the area make it difficult to get to, but our new Balifornian Purnama Villas will solve this problem in style. Professional surf contests occur here frequently but it remains an uncrowded spot for the most part.

Our buddy Mas Ricko rips the lip on this wave near our villas while surfing Keramas BeachCheck Balifornian Tours and Travel Blog for much more surfing news and events.  http://www.balifornian.com

Planning a surfing vacation?  Let Balifornian Tours handle it for you and leave all the stress and hassle behind.  We know the best spots, hidden locations, ways to beat the crowds and we can help you get the very most out of your epic surf trip.

Our Adventure Photo Safaris ~ Are you a photographer or just love to take pictures?  Contact us to find out about our special tours for photographers.  Take a look at the images in the gallery, as they are good examples of the types of images you will be able to create on our tours.  The tours are led by Michael, a professor of art and photography as well as some very special guest teachers and pro photographers.  Contact us at photo@balifornian.com today for more information.

Do you have some great images from your Indonesian travels you would like to share? Want to submit your fantastic photo for the Balifornian Tour and Travel Blog Photo of the Day?  Please send your JPEG, location and description to photo@balifornian.com  Files must be under 500 kb.

Happy travels! Salamat Jalan!

Michael and Maryam ~

Balifornian Tours and Travel Blog ~ The best website for news and information on Bali and Indonesia.

Photo of the Day ~ Mt. Agung from Amed Beach ~ Balifornian Tours and Travel Blog

Here is our photo of the day...

This is the view from our hotel in Amed called three Brothers.  There are several 3 Brothers so you need to choose the right one (see our blog post on Amed) as the others are not quite as good.  Formerly know as a sleepy fishing village, Amed has blossomed into a great beach town with an actual nightlife, amazing scuba diving and snorkling and retains a great authentic Bali feel.  There are some wonderful restaurants and lots to do but just chilling on the beach or by the hotel pool is a great way to pass the time.

Mt Agung as seen from Amed beach. Bali, Indonesia. Balifornian Villas and Tours.

Gunung Agung volcano rises dramatically in the background as the sun sets on another perfect day in paradise.

Do you have some photos from Bali that you would like to share?  Enter them in the Balifornian Villa and Tour photo of the day.  Just send them in to photo@balifornina.com along with a description and we will post the winners for you to see.

Happy travels!

Photo of the Day ~ Introspective Cockfighter ~ Balifornian Tours and Travel Blog

While the implications of cockfighting can be debated, the fact is that it is a deep element of Indonesian and Balinese culture.  Some events draw thousands of participants and onlookers and the organized chaos is both fascinating and frightening.  Its not for everyone certainly, but it is an interesting look into the culture and the history of the Balinese people.

I thought this to be an interesting moment. Amist all the chaos, screaming, betting, chanting, fighting, blood spilling, etc., this young man took a contemplative moment to himself (and his fighter) in the moments leading up to battle in Singaraja in Northern Bali.

Singaraja, Bali cockfighterAlthough in 1981 the Indonesian government made cockfighting and gambling illegal, it is deemed as merely a suggestion and the 'sport' continues to this day.

The huge shiny 'Taji' or blade attached to the chicken's foot is readily apparent in this photograph and one can only imagine the damage that this metal talon can inflict.  There is much lore attached to this mysterious and deadly object; menstruating women can not gaze upon it, it can only be sharpened under the moonlight, only very special charcoal from a tree hit by lightning can be used to forge the steel, it can not be handled by a member of a family that has recently had a deceased member, and the lore goes on and on.

Regardless of the views of westerners and other outsiders, cockfighting is tightly entwined into the Balinese culture and even religion. Part of Balinese Hinduism involves sacrifice and offerings and sometimes even blood sacrifice.  The cock and its owner spend a great deal of time together and its owner spends a great deal of money and effort to care for and prep the animal for battle.  A strong bond is formed and for the man to risk his prized pet is considered an offering to the gods.

Photo of the Day ~ Crescent Moon Sunset ~ Balifornian Tours and Travel Blog

Our photo of the day for today is a beautiful Balinese scene from Singaraja in the north of the island.

Copyright © 2011 Balifornian Tours and Travel Blog ~ Michael DoliveckSingaraja is known for its glorious sunsets.  The north of Bali can be a great break from the hustle and bustle of the southern Bali.  It is a chance to see more of the real Bali and if you can get up into the mountains there are great opportunities to visit small villages, see increadible temples, meet friendly locals, etc.  The Balinese gamelon was perfected here so Singaraja is the place to purchase instruments or just take in some of the increadibly talanted gamelon groups from the area.

Our Adventure Photo Safaris ~ Are you a photographer or just love to take pictures?  Contact us to find out about our special tours for photographers.  Take a look at the images in our gallery, as they are good examples of the types of images you will be able to create on our tours.  The tours are led by Michael, a professor of art and photography as well as some very special guest teachers and pro photographers.  Contact us atphoto@balifornian.com today for more information.

Do you have some great images from your Indonesian travels you would like to share? Want to submit your fantastic photo for the Balifornian Tour and Travel Blog Photo of the Day?  Please send your JPEG, location and description to photo@balifornian.com  Files must be under 500 kb.

Happy travels! Salamat Jalan!

Michael and Maryam ~

Balifornian Tours and Travel Blog ~ Voted The best website for news and information on Bali and Indonesia.