Bali Photo of the Day ~ Hindu Priest Blesses Holy Daggers

Today's Bali photograph comes from a traditional dance performance.

Men gather with their kris (sacred dagger) to have it blessed by the Mangku (Hindu Priest).

A Hindu Priest in Bali blesses the holy daggers of the men

If you have a great photo of Bali or Indonesia and want to submit it the The Bali Photo of The Day, just send an email to photos@Balifornian.com.

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Bali Photo of the Day ~ Penglipuran Village - Balinese Traditional Village

Today's Bali photo of the day takes us to Bangli Regency about 45 kilometers from Denpasar. This is the location of Penglipuran Village, an indigenous Balinese Traditional Village that remains largely unchanged by the advent of electricity and modern living that has shaped much of modern Bali.

Penglipuran Village is well know for its row of traditional houses and gates which can be seen in the following photographs.

Penglipuran Village in Bali is home to well preserved traditional homes and village templePenglipuran is also known for its magestic temple and bamboo forest. Most villagers and farmers and cattlemen although these days many make a living from selling thier crafts and renting rooms to travelers. 

The entrance gate to Penglipuran's TemplePenglipuran is a great place to visit and if you have any questions, please just contact us.

Happy travels!

Aerial Photos of Bali from The Royal Geographic Society

Spectacular photographs of Bali and Indonesia from the air with the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)’s Hidden Journeys

Ever wondered about what you are seeing from the air in that window seat?  Well, IBG's Hidden Journeys Project wants to help by providing interactive guides to air travellers.

Here are some great photos from the flight path from Singapore to Sydney, exploring some of the world’s most remote and spectacular landscapes in Southeast Asia, namely Bali and Australia.

You can see the isolated outer reefs of the Timor Sea, and the spellbinding horizontal waterfalls of Australia’s Buccaneer Archipelago. Also visable are The Red Sand Dunes of the Simpson Desert. This new interactive guide illustrates an fantastic diversity of landscapes and culture as well as natural wonders.

Certainly the highlight from the flight path from Singapore to Sydney is the magical island of the Gods ~ Bali, Indonesia. The project explores the graceful ancient culture, the extreme volcanic landscape and the diverse ecology of the lush island.

Gunung Agung © Martin Garrido - Mount Agung is the largest volcano in Bali and is considered holy

MacDonnell Ranges from the air © Andrew Mitchell - The MacDonnell Ranges, which stretch for 220km across Australia, and Alice Springs in the distance from the air

Paddy fields in Bali © Riza Nugraha - Terraces make the most of the hilly landscape and rice thrives in the volcanic soil

Thanks to the RGS for these spectacular photographs.

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

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.