Tirta Gangga Water Garden

This water garden was built by the King of Karangasem, Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem in 1948. The architecture is the combination of Balinese and Chinese style. It’s located in Ababi village, Abang District, about 83 km from Denpasar and 6 km from Amlapura (the capital city of Karangasem).Tirta Gangga was originally the bathing and resting place for the king of Karangasem and numerous

Tirta Gangga Water Garden

This water garden was built by the King of Karangasem, Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem in 1948. The architecture is the combination of Balinese and Chinese style. It’s located in Ababi village, Abang District, about 83 km from Denpasar and 6 km from Amlapura (the capital city of Karangasem).Tirta Gangga was originally the bathing and resting place for the king of Karangasem and numerous

Climbing Mount Batur

Except for its water sport, Bali also has panoramic views on its mountains for adventurous activities. One of them is climbing the Mount Batur.Mount Batur perches on the Kintamani teritory, Bangli. Its height reaches 1717 m above sea level. This mountain retains a uniqueness of its own, namely the crater mesuring 13.8 x 10 km and denotes one of the most extensive and beautifull all over the world

Climbing Mount Batur

Except for its water sport, Bali also has panoramic views on its mountains for adventurous activities. One of them is climbing the Mount Batur.Mount Batur perches on the Kintamani teritory, Bangli. Its height reaches 1717 m above sea level. This mountain retains a uniqueness of its own, namely the crater mesuring 13.8 x 10 km and denotes one of the most extensive and beautifull all over the world

Bali Dances and Performances

There are several other dances that could excite you. Dance and drama have historically played an important role in Balinese society. Balinese dances are famous all over the world and the Balinese themselves take them very seriously.Birthdays, weddings, and temples festivals are all occasions for dramatic performances and dance is inextricably linked with the Balinese religion. Through this

Bali Dances and Performances

There are several other dances that could excite you. Dance and drama have historically played an important role in Balinese society. Balinese dances are famous all over the world and the Balinese themselves take them very seriously.Birthdays, weddings, and temples festivals are all occasions for dramatic performances and dance is inextricably linked with the Balinese religion. Through this

Villages of Bali

The idea of balance is central to Balinese philosophy and way of life. Nature and Man meet and complement each other.The villages are a study in order. Hidden behind the same mud walls, there will be the same red tiles of the same family pavilions with, again thirty meters apart, the same thatched puppet houses: the family temples (sanggah/merajan). Then, there will be a big tree, two slit logs

Villages of Bali

The idea of balance is central to Balinese philosophy and way of life. Nature and Man meet and complement each other.The villages are a study in order. Hidden behind the same mud walls, there will be the same red tiles of the same family pavilions with, again thirty meters apart, the same thatched puppet houses: the family temples (sanggah/merajan). Then, there will be a big tree, two slit logs

Kertha Gosa - Hint of the Greatness of Klungkung Kingdom

If you happen make a visit to Klungkung city, Kertha Gosa constitutes the most prominent tourist object. Historically, Kertha Gosa means a place of discussing anything associated with the security, welfare and justice affairs within the teritory of Bali.According the chronogram based on Lunar Calculation engraved on the main entrance gate, Kertha paksi-paksi(literally means cakra, crab, bird,

Kertha Gosa - Hint of the Greatness of Klungkung Kingdom

If you happen make a visit to Klungkung city, Kertha Gosa constitutes the most prominent tourist object. Historically, Kertha Gosa means a place of discussing anything associated with the security, welfare and justice affairs within the teritory of Bali.According the chronogram based on Lunar Calculation engraved on the main entrance gate, Kertha paksi-paksi(literally means cakra, crab, bird,

Besakih Temple

to assemble north, by the astonishing landscapes of Bukit Jambul, goes up more than 900 meters to the top of the slopes of Gunung Agung in Pura Besakih, holiest of all the temples in Bali. It started most probably like sanctuary in prehistoric terrace where the worship and were quoted to the god of Gunung Agung, the element dominating of landscape in the world of Balinese. Above thousand years

Besakih Temple

to assemble north, by the astonishing landscapes of Bukit Jambul, goes up more than 900 meters to the top of the slopes of Gunung Agung in Pura Besakih, holiest of all the temples in Bali. It started most probably like sanctuary in prehistoric terrace where the worship and were quoted to the god of Gunung Agung, the element dominating of landscape in the world of Balinese. Above thousand years

Legong Dance

In Bali, not every one have same understanding of the word "Legong". Until today some Balinese think that legong is any non-dramatic dances performed by woman. One of the cause is the popularity of kebyar dances that become so popular in Bali after legong era. Instead, the word Legong Kraton, means 'legong of the palace', is often used by the Balinese referring to all repertoire of legong.

Legong Dance

In Bali, not every one have same understanding of the word "Legong". Until today some Balinese think that legong is any non-dramatic dances performed by woman. One of the cause is the popularity of kebyar dances that become so popular in Bali after legong era. Instead, the word Legong Kraton, means 'legong of the palace', is often used by the Balinese referring to all repertoire of legong.

Bedulu Village

Bedulu was once capital of the old Balinese kingdom Pejeng; a long tongue of land between the Petanu and Pakrisan rivers. Today this area is home to some of the most famous and appreciated monuments and relics on Bali, like Yeh Pulu and Goa Gajah. Pejeng was the last kingdom that surrendered to the Majapahit empire from Java, which invaded Bali in 1343. The strong influence of Javanese culture

Bedulu Village

Bedulu was once capital of the old Balinese kingdom Pejeng; a long tongue of land between the Petanu and Pakrisan rivers. Today this area is home to some of the most famous and appreciated monuments and relics on Bali, like Yeh Pulu and Goa Gajah. Pejeng was the last kingdom that surrendered to the Majapahit empire from Java, which invaded Bali in 1343. The strong influence of Javanese culture

Diving in Pemuteran

It's a long drive from the Nusa Dua/Sanur/Kuta area to Menjangan, which adds up to a lot of time on the road for just a couple of dives. But there is an excellent alternative: stay at the Pondok Sari Beach Bungalows in Pemuteran, which has a professionally-run dive operation, Reef Seen Aquatics, which offers very good diving. Pemuteran is located just a few Milometers east of Meniangan on the

Diving in Pemuteran

It's a long drive from the Nusa Dua/Sanur/Kuta area to Menjangan, which adds up to a lot of time on the road for just a couple of dives. But there is an excellent alternative: stay at the Pondok Sari Beach Bungalows in Pemuteran, which has a professionally-run dive operation, Reef Seen Aquatics, which offers very good diving. Pemuteran is located just a few Milometers east of Meniangan on the

Bali Flora & Fauna

Bali has an interesting collection of animal and plant life. The rice terraces are the most common sight everyday in Bali, particularly in the heavily populated and extravagantly fertile south. Balinese gardens are a delight. The soil and climate can support a huge range of plants, and the Balinese love of beauty, and the abundance of cheap labour, mean that every space can be landscaped. The

Bali Flora & Fauna

Bali has an interesting collection of animal and plant life. The rice terraces are the most common sight everyday in Bali, particularly in the heavily populated and extravagantly fertile south. Balinese gardens are a delight. The soil and climate can support a huge range of plants, and the Balinese love of beauty, and the abundance of cheap labour, mean that every space can be landscaped. The

Candi Dasa Beach

A tidy, well-kept, three-km-long European (mostly Italian, French, and Scandinavian) tourist retreat. For many visitors, Candidasa is the perfect blend, everything one would want in a seaside resort-reasonable accommodations, variegated dining, interesting sea sports, warm-water bathing, tranquil nights.It is a slow and friendly place, where you can pass the hours with locals on the streets and

Candi Dasa Beach

A tidy, well-kept, three-km-long European (mostly Italian, French, and Scandinavian) tourist retreat. For many visitors, Candidasa is the perfect blend, everything one would want in a seaside resort-reasonable accommodations, variegated dining, interesting sea sports, warm-water bathing, tranquil nights.It is a slow and friendly place, where you can pass the hours with locals on the streets and

Balinese Gamelan

The Balinese orchestra is called a gamelan. Strictly the word refers to the instruments, not the players. The Bali-Hindu religion requires the gamelan for the success of the thousands of ceremonies performed every year. There are more than two dozen distinct types of gamelan, each with their own traditions, repertoire and social or religious functions. The music is full of insistent rhythms and

Balinese Gamelan

The Balinese orchestra is called a gamelan. Strictly the word refers to the instruments, not the players. The Bali-Hindu religion requires the gamelan for the success of the thousands of ceremonies performed every year. There are more than two dozen distinct types of gamelan, each with their own traditions, repertoire and social or religious functions. The music is full of insistent rhythms and

Perancak Temple

From Rambut Siwi coming one folows the signpost. Briefly before Delodberawah a statue with a crocodile stand in the cemter of the road. Crocodile is a landmark of Jembrana.In the small fishing village Perancak is located beautiful sea Temple Pura Gede Perancak. Here is before many centuries hired Dang Hyang Nirartha, which crossed Bali. The Temple is at present again reconditioned. An oblong pond

Perancak Temple

From Rambut Siwi coming one folows the signpost. Briefly before Delodberawah a statue with a crocodile stand in the cemter of the road. Crocodile is a landmark of Jembrana.In the small fishing village Perancak is located beautiful sea Temple Pura Gede Perancak. Here is before many centuries hired Dang Hyang Nirartha, which crossed Bali. The Temple is at present again reconditioned. An oblong pond

Handicraft Products from Klungkung

Kamasan is a village in Klungkung Regency popular with visitors because of the unique works of its painters. Located about 41 km east of Denpasar City 2.5 km to the east of Semarapura Capital City of Klungkung Regency, many of its population are also engaged the production of other sorts of attractive traditional articles such as ‘Wayang Kamasan’ puppets, highly sought after by tourists.Because

Handicraft Products from Klungkung

Kamasan is a village in Klungkung Regency popular with visitors because of the unique works of its painters. Located about 41 km east of Denpasar City 2.5 km to the east of Semarapura Capital City of Klungkung Regency, many of its population are also engaged the production of other sorts of attractive traditional articles such as ‘Wayang Kamasan’ puppets, highly sought after by tourists.Because

Tooth Filing Ceremony

Called 'mapandes' in High Balinese, 'matatah' in Common Balinese. The reason for filing is to control evil human characteristics (sad ripu): greed, lust, anger, confusion, stupidity, jealousy, ill-will, and intoxication by either passion or drunkenness. This important life-cycle event usually occurs when a Balinese boy or girl reaches puberty-at a girl's first menstruation, when a boy's voice

Tooth Filing Ceremony

Called 'mapandes' in High Balinese, 'matatah' in Common Balinese. The reason for filing is to control evil human characteristics (sad ripu): greed, lust, anger, confusion, stupidity, jealousy, ill-will, and intoxication by either passion or drunkenness. This important life-cycle event usually occurs when a Balinese boy or girl reaches puberty-at a girl's first menstruation, when a boy's voice

Drama Mask

Dramas masks are used in four traditional Balinese Dramas and processions: the Topeng, which enacts stories from the times of the old Balinese kingdoms and establishes a link with the ancestor world; the Barong, which involves giant puppets and animals that serve as protective spirits enabling a village to ward off evil; the Wayang Wong, which performs the Ramayana, a great Hindu epic dramatizing

Drama Mask

Dramas masks are used in four traditional Balinese Dramas and processions: the Topeng, which enacts stories from the times of the old Balinese kingdoms and establishes a link with the ancestor world; the Barong, which involves giant puppets and animals that serve as protective spirits enabling a village to ward off evil; the Wayang Wong, which performs the Ramayana, a great Hindu epic dramatizing

Melanting Temple at North West Bali

This is another beautiful temple located at North Bali, somewhere in the Pulaki village. If you travel from Denpasar, you will arrive in three hours. If you go to the west via Negara ( a town in West Bali) you will pass the Bali Barat National Park which is ideal trekking place.Another tourist spot is Labuan Lalang, which located close to Menjangan Island, a popular diving site. The Melanting

Melanting Temple at North West Bali

This is another beautiful temple located at North Bali, somewhere in the Pulaki village. If you travel from Denpasar, you will arrive in three hours. If you go to the west via Negara ( a town in West Bali) you will pass the Bali Barat National Park which is ideal trekking place.Another tourist spot is Labuan Lalang, which located close to Menjangan Island, a popular diving site. The Melanting

Nusa Penida

Once known as the Siberia of Bali, Nusa Penida was formerly a penitentiary island of banishment for criminals, undesirables, and political agitators fleeing the harsh and unyielding reign of the Gelgel dynasty.The people have their own 'adat', dances, puppetry, weaving arts, and architecture. The dour and cheerless people of the central plateau live in austere one-room huts built of jagged

Nusa Penida

Once known as the Siberia of Bali, Nusa Penida was formerly a penitentiary island of banishment for criminals, undesirables, and political agitators fleeing the harsh and unyielding reign of the Gelgel dynasty.The people have their own 'adat', dances, puppetry, weaving arts, and architecture. The dour and cheerless people of the central plateau live in austere one-room huts built of jagged

Tanjung Benoa

Located north of Nusa Dua, this is a beautiful white sand beach area where visitors can enjoy many types of water recreation and sports such as snorkeling, parasailing, diving, boating, sailing, glass bottom boating and more. This area is an extension of Nusa Dua Resort, with easy access to its luxurious hotels and other tourism facilities.The beach is renowned for its calm clear waters, ideal

Tanjung Benoa

Located north of Nusa Dua, this is a beautiful white sand beach area where visitors can enjoy many types of water recreation and sports such as snorkeling, parasailing, diving, boating, sailing, glass bottom boating and more. This area is an extension of Nusa Dua Resort, with easy access to its luxurious hotels and other tourism facilities.The beach is renowned for its calm clear waters, ideal

Beautiful Ubud For Your Bali Vacation

What is it about Ubud that one should visit this beautiful village? Because Ubud has much to offer; from its stunning panorama of Ayung River valley and the terraces rice filed, its most talented artist, its typical traditional market and myriad of shops that line the road is a heaven for shopping, its undying culture, its serene environs and plentiful of nice small hotels and restaurants and

Beautiful Ubud For Your Bali Vacation

What is it about Ubud that one should visit this beautiful village? Because Ubud has much to offer; from its stunning panorama of Ayung River valley and the terraces rice filed, its most talented artist, its typical traditional market and myriad of shops that line the road is a heaven for shopping, its undying culture, its serene environs and plentiful of nice small hotels and restaurants and

Bali's Exotic Eco Tourism

The rich culture of Bali being maintained from one generation to the next generation is never the boring of tourists of reason to visit this island. But Bali does not offer simply its unique culture; eco-tourism also has a part in the attraction of Bali.The culture of Bali will be always the wire in attraction for tourists. It is because the community follows closely the Hindu lesson, which gives

Bali's Exotic Eco Tourism

The rich culture of Bali being maintained from one generation to the next generation is never the boring of tourists of reason to visit this island. But Bali does not offer simply its unique culture; eco-tourism also has a part in the attraction of Bali.The culture of Bali will be always the wire in attraction for tourists. It is because the community follows closely the Hindu lesson, which gives

Tirta Gangga

Tirta Gangga is situated at Ababi village, Abang District. It is about 83 km from Denpasar and 6 km from Amlapura to the north.Tirta Gangga water garden was built in 1948 by the King of Karangasem, Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem. This water garden was constructed in a very unique architecture of Balinese and Chinese styles.Tirta Gangga Water Garden scratches on a 1,2 Hectare area, which

Tirta Gangga

Tirta Gangga is situated at Ababi village, Abang District. It is about 83 km from Denpasar and 6 km from Amlapura to the north.Tirta Gangga water garden was built in 1948 by the King of Karangasem, Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem. This water garden was constructed in a very unique architecture of Balinese and Chinese styles.Tirta Gangga Water Garden scratches on a 1,2 Hectare area, which

Balinese Architecture

If, instead of walking, we look at Balinese villages from above the impression of order is no less extraordinary. Houses are all identical and strikingly parallel in layout with family temples, kitchens and rooms occupying the same relative position in the walled compound.Large temples, likewise, all have the same structure with their main shrines occupying the same 'kaja kangin' (east-mountain

Balinese Architecture

If, instead of walking, we look at Balinese villages from above the impression of order is no less extraordinary. Houses are all identical and strikingly parallel in layout with family temples, kitchens and rooms occupying the same relative position in the walled compound.Large temples, likewise, all have the same structure with their main shrines occupying the same 'kaja kangin' (east-mountain

Baris Dance

According to Covarrubias no dance in the world can be manlier than baris. Baris, a traditional war dance, typifies the strong elegance of the male and is the source of for all masculine dances. The Baris dance can be performed by men in pairs of four, eight, sometimes even tens; the accompanying gamelan is the gamelan gong or gamelan gong kebyar. The word “baris” means a line or military

Baris Dance

According to Covarrubias no dance in the world can be manlier than baris. Baris, a traditional war dance, typifies the strong elegance of the male and is the source of for all masculine dances. The Baris dance can be performed by men in pairs of four, eight, sometimes even tens; the accompanying gamelan is the gamelan gong or gamelan gong kebyar. The word “baris” means a line or military

Dreamland Beach

Forget in moment Kuta, Sanur, and or Nusa Dua. Enjoying Bali only by sand sunning in the coasts not be prestigious anymore. Nowadays, time for you enjoying more challenging exotic and exclusive vacation. Because the coasts only known by a few tourists. The information even also by mouth to mouth. You will not find in reference or travel. Even so maybe its not too much and can be calculated by

Dreamland Beach

Forget in moment Kuta, Sanur, and or Nusa Dua. Enjoying Bali only by sand sunning in the coasts not be prestigious anymore. Nowadays, time for you enjoying more challenging exotic and exclusive vacation. Because the coasts only known by a few tourists. The information even also by mouth to mouth. You will not find in reference or travel. Even so maybe its not too much and can be calculated by

Towards the Embodiment of the Mask. Balinese Topeng in Contemporary Practice.

My work explores the process of mask characterisation in Bali as expressed in performances and in the views of individuals. The polyphony of voices of performers, officials, cultural analysts and village audiences gives multifarious expression to a sense of cultural identity. This identity is in continuous flux, as topeng masked dance drama reflects the way in which Bali itself is changing in the contemporary world. Starting with an analysis of the performative principles of masked dance-drama practice, with each chapter I analyse a broader context of the relationship between these basic performative principles and daily life.

The performers’ voices interweave with written discourse on Balinese culture, depicted as in increasing need of protection. Balinese culture (and dance as one of its manifestations) has had to be protected by separating what is truly linked to Balinese tradition (mainly based on religion) from what is not. The separation, at discourse level, has created two domains; one sacred, fixed and exclusively Balinese, and one profane, flexible and able to be “contaminated” through interaction with the outside world.

Balinese topeng moves between these domains. In its increased role within ceremonies it reinforces essential Balinese identity, also the subject of intense media discourse in the post-Bali bombing period. At the same time, as part of the entertainment domain, topeng becomes a medium for reinterpreting traditional concepts and affording performers new freedoms. Recently comedy and laughter, predominating in performances for entertainment and also intruding into the ceremonial domain, have been interpreted by some as empty escapism. Is this indeed how the laughter should be interpreted, or do its capacities to heal trauma and provide release from the pressures of chauvinist cultural discourse connect at a deeper level with contemporary Balinese social reality?Another contemporary development, posing questions for the future of topeng form, is the involvement of women. Women now participate in topeng both for entertainment and ceremonies, but so far have not taken on the most sacred mask. Will they do so in future? Can the basic principles of Balinese performance and cultural identity be extended to allow women to help create harmony with nature through unity with the mask?