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 ~ 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.

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.