Spirituality and Food

My trip to Bali in 2008 was not only a colorful and taste filled adventure but also a lesson in spirituality and food. Wherever I went in Bali, I found it easy to eat wholesome and well-balanced meals. They use fresh herbs and spices ground by hand, in combination's that result in clean and complex flavors while balancing the six tastes-leaving you thoroughly satisfied. So many of their dishes are beautifully presented with regard to color and form.

Most noteworthy about food in Bali is, as with so many things there, how spirituality and food are connected. From planting, growing, and harvesting to preparation, offerings, and eating - all of these actions are done with reverence to God. My driver taught me that "we don't own our food until we offer it to God first, give thanks for it, and get permission to eat it. Only then is it ours to put into our bodies."

How does this stack up next to eating emotionally, snacking in the bulk aisle at Whole Foods, or remembering that someone labored over planting and picking the vegetables that I am eating today? The Balinese don't necessarily engage in the constant chatter that we do over our meals. They prefer to eat quietly, often alone, and focus on the process of eating and digesting. I was reminded of this while having lunch with a lovely Balinese man who was barely three bites into his lunch as I finished mine, and also did all of the talking! I commented on the difference, and he simply said "...that's because I'm chewing my food." Oh, what a concept!
Balinese women usually prepare food for the day. This is all done in the morning, and the food is left out for family members to eat when, and if, they are hungry. Again, it is not about eating together, but more about eating when the body is physically hungry. It is the men, however, who are in charge of laboriously preparing the spice pastes and food for the numerous festivals and ceremonies. Here, the preparation and eating are done communally, only after respect and offerings have been made to God. In Bali, food comes from the Divine, food is offered back to the Divine, and my own experience with food in Bali was certainly Divine!

Romantic Bali Wedding

The love that you share with your lover, the emotions that are built between the two of you, and the time consumed by both of you are priceless things that lead into the exchanging vows between you and your lover. Going into this next level, you sure want to have it done smoothly, romantically, and organized.

Bali is an island in Indonesia archipelago which located on westernmost of the Lesser Sunda islands just between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. Bali is popular as a number one party zone! If you want to be within walking distance of the party - this is place. Beauty is long known to go along with romance, and Bali, the beautiful island in Indonesia can accommodate this romantic Bali Wedding that you desire.

For couples with different nationalities, Bali Wedding can be performed without much hassle. Paper works and government authorities are managed professionally to ensure your satisfaction. There are a lot of organizers ready to assist you with their professional and well experienced skills. They can handle the most important day of your love life, and can manage not only the main event, but also up to its details.

You can have your romantic Bali Wedding by the beautiful beaches in the island that is organized professionally and with all sincerity. Having yourself and your lover in the serene and yet stunning sunset enjoying your blissful day, together with your families and relatives is the ideal romantic wedding that you can afford for

Nyepi Balinese New Year Day Of Silence

Once in your lifetime you must experience the real Balinese culture and its sacred event. The silence day happen to be celebrated once a year and all people are very excited to celebrate the coming day. The ceremony chain are three days, starting the day before Nyepi (silence day) and come to an end the day after.
Pengerupukan Day

On the day before Nyepi Balinese people will have a ceremony named Tawur Kesanga, a purification day. Held at the main village crossroad which is believed as the home or meeting point of demons and evils. All villagers having Hindus ceremony at their home as well to expel the bad evil surround it. Lighting the torch and making noise to get the Bhuta Kala (evil spirits) away from our lives. Afterward the people will gather at the crossroad to have a parade of ogoh - ogoh (big monster statue made of bamboo symbolize the evil). You will see many monsters in various designs and effects symbolizing the bad evil as well as revealing the story within the Hindus script. This sequence will start in the evening after the sunset, around 07.00 - 9.00 PM and there will be a big crowd in every main road you're passing by. Most of the restaurant will be closed on Sunday night until Tuesday afternoon.
Nyepi (Silence Day)
On Monday early morning, Nyepi day is started. Everything surround you is peaceful and quiet. Nothing but bird's voice will accompany your day. Nyepi is the day when you're back to the ancient day years ago and live away from the crowd of modern city. It's prohibited to have lights on around the clock, making any noise, going out of your residence. There are 4 Nyepi rules that should be the obligation for the Hindus to be pursued called Catur Brata Penyepian (Four obligations of Nyepi). First, not allowed to have any meal or drink, you have to do fasting for 24 hours. Second, it is not allowed to turn on light or any illumination. So the whole Bali will be dark without the light just the moonlit will enlighten. Third, prohibited to work or do any task related to profession or daily working activities. For that workaholic this is the best time for you to spend most of your time just relax and not doing the working sheet. The last rule is not going out of the house. Thus nobody will be around the street and keep staying in their house except the Pecalang (the Balinese people who will secure the area while the others have the Nyepi ritual). They are local men selected by the society to do the assignment as security during the sacred day.
Today is the day where you are free from pollution and healing your body and soul, away from the daily stressful activities for one day. The ancient Balinese take this moment to do meditation or reading a scripture. The philosophy of Nyepi is self introspection to add values of life, think wiser than the previous day. Experience this most sacred day through your holiday in Bali and have refreshment on mind and soul.

Ngembak Geni Day
Today all the activities are back to normal and the Catur Brata Penyepian is ended. Starting nearly sunrise people gather on the beach and purified themselves by bathing with the sea water that's belief as the holy water. Every relative is visiting each other in order to keep the good family relationship.
Have a walk along the beach to feel the fresh air of the New Year while you're going back to the routine activity but with a new inspiration of life. Get a chance to sit and relax on the beach or have your breakfast at a beachfront restaurant. It will be a nice holiday with the experience of Balinese culture.

The Stunning Kecak Dance Of The Beautiful Bali Article Source

One of the most famous Balinese Dances is The Kecak dance. The stunning voice of the dancers in musical rhythm is used as a background for them to dance in trance. Over 100 bare-chested dancers are swaying their body and hands. The sound of cak-cak-cak imitating the sound of monkey sounds gives the exotic and dynamic ambience. Because of that chanting noise of "Cak-cak-cak", then the dance is named Kecak.

What makes the Kecak such a fascinating dance to watch are the fifty or so men in the checkered pants. They are both the choir and the props, providing the music for the story in a series of constant vocal chants that change with the mood of the actors. They don't sit still, either, they wave their arms to simulate fire, and reposition themselves around the stage to represent wind and fire, prison cells, and unseen hand of protection from the gods.

The dance is played in five acts and lasts roughly 45 minutes. It taken from the Hindu epic Ramayana, which tells the story of Prince Rama and his rescue of Princess Sita, who has been kidnapped by the evil King of Lanka, Rahwana and somehow with the help of the white monkey army, Rama rescues his wife and defeats the evil King Rahwana.

As Bali is famous for its breathtaking nature, the culture is even better; completely astounding. It is very exotic and unique. The culture is a blending of spiritual, dynamic and elegance. Attending a Kecak recital is a must for any visitor to Bali. It is a wondrous experience, and a window into the musical and artistic culture that make the Balinese a special people.

Bali - Land of Ritual and Ceremony

Bali is the the land of a thousand temples and a thousand festivals, where religious adherence to a large number of rituals are an integral part of everyday life. A combination of traditional Hinduism and local indigenous beliefs, Balinese Hinduism has a rich tradition of both small and large ceremonies that commemorate everything from the loss of a tooth to the warding off of evil spirits. There are five distinct Hindu Balinese rituals such as the Dewa Yadnya, temple festivals that deal with the worship and reverence of the gods; and Buta Yadnya, which involves ritual sacrifice to allay demonic spirits. Others include Rsi Yadnya, rites honouring preists; Pitra Yadnya, rites relating to death; and Manusa Yadnya, rites to cleanse the inner soul of sin.

Among the major festivals in Bali are the Galungan, a major feast celebrating the annual descent of all the Gods to the earthly realm, followed ten days later by the Kuningan ceremony. Other big festivals are the Nyepi, an annual day of silence on the Hindu-Balinese New Year; Saraswati, a day devoted to Dewi Saraswati, Goddess of knowledge and literature; and the temple festival of Odalan, an annual ceremony of the construction of a temple based on the 210 day Balinese calendar - due the the huge number of temples in Bali there are several Odalan festivals taking place throughout the the island on any given day.
Another important ritual in Balinese culture is the cremation of the departed. An integral part of Balinese life, cremation is a cheerful and communal affair where an entire village comes together in an elaborate ritual whose ultimate goal is placing the ashes of the departed in the sea. This act signals the final separation of soul (roh) from earthly body.
Many visitors to Bali have fallen in love with various ceremonies that celebrate creation both on a grand cosmic scale and on a more intimate personal scale. Some visitors have even opted to remain in Bali, a faraway island paradise where people take the time to celebrate the gods in heaven and the cycle of everyday life on earth - something lacking in today's fast paced, spiritually bereft world.

Bali's Beautiful Attractions

The destination is famed for its miles and miles of pristine beaches but there are many other reasons to visit Bali, some of which are outlined below. While the geographical region does of course contain the threat of natural disasters like tsunamis and earthquakes, this has apparently not been enough to deter intrepid travellers from making their way there to enjoy a luxury holiday somewhere different from where they might ordinarily head.
Bali is famous for its scuba diving and snorkelling sites which are considered among the best dive sites anywhere on earth. Among the most popular dive destinations in Bali are Menjangan Island situated off the north-west coast and also the stunning sights and reefs off Nusa Penida to the south of Bali. Dive conditions often vary depending on the time of year so it can often be worth asking the staff in Bali hotels which is the best place to go diving at the time of your visit. Lots of visitors to Bali find that they fall in love with diving and as such choose to study for their PADI or SSI diving qualification while there.
Bali is also renowned for its many beautiful Hindu temples which are liberally scattered all over the island. The island has a law which requires every village to be home to a minimum of three temples and the influence of this tradition on the place is there for all to see. There is something quite mystical about Bali and a visit to the island's temples is an absolute must for any visitor. Remember though that there is a dress code for entering temples and that you should always be respectful while there.
Like many other south-east Asian destinations, Bali is home to many stunning natural waterfalls which are one of the chief attractions on the island. It is very easy to lose oneself on a trek through thickly canopied jungle to a beautiful lagoon where hikers are invited to cool off with a swim. Many Bali resorts are happy to help visitors arrange treks through the jungle with specialist firms which know the routes and provide guides.

No visit to Bali is complete without seeing the landscape's famous fields of rice paddies. The fields go on for miles and miles and are quite a sight, being laid out as they are in terraced rows making them a sight to see in their own right. The stretch between Candidasa and Amplapura is arguably the most famous area around for seeing the rice paddies and many tourists like to take in the route by bicycle - getting a bit of fresh air and exercise while seeing the countryside too!
Indonesia is of course famous for its many natural disasters caused by its unique geography and geology, so while in Bali it is always worth a visit to a volcano. Gunung Batur is arguably the place's most famous volcano and symbolises female reproduction and fertility, in contrast to Bali's other famous volcano, Gunung Agung. The volcano is still active though so be very sure to seek advice from a local or a tour guide about when and how to go to see the volcano safely.

The 10 Best Bali Hotels For the Ultimate Indulgence

The economy in Bali has the same amazing low prices as Thailand. In a country where it is possible to live on less than ten dollars a week, it is understandable that accommodation in Bali are incredibly low-priced. You can get an ultra-luxury hotel in Bali for the same price as a budget to mid-range hotel in Australia, and at the same price as a backpacker hostel in New York or London! If you are interested in seeing the best that Bali has to offer, check out one of these luxurious hotels.
1. Amandari
Amandari is located in the village of Kedetewan, around five minutes from Ubud. The complex consists of thatch-roofed individual villas with private gardens, and appointed with paras volcanic stone and Balinese marble. This hotel in Bali is a Conde Nast award winner as well as a Travel and Leisure award winner.
2. Amankila
Amankila overlooks the Lombok Straights, on Bali's East Coast, and much like Amandari, the Bali accommodation is thatch-roofed beach houses, located within a coconut grove. Amankila has its own beach!
3. Amanusa

This hotel in Bali overlooks quiet, rural Nusa Dua. Some suites have private swimming pools, there is nearby golf and childcare is available through the hotel.
4. Anantara Seminyak
All the gorgeous Bali hotel rooms here have sea views, floor to ceiling glass windows and gorgeous terrazzo tubs on the verandas. The hotel has 3500 square meters of private beachfront - no need to battle the budget tourists at the main beaches.
5. Ayana Resort and Spa
This five star Bali hotel is located on South Sea Island, and features inspired traditional-style architecture, a two-tiered saltwater pool, an aquatic seawater therapy pool, and a ballroom for major functions!
6. Como Shambhala Estate
The most stunning thing about this five star resort in Bali is the silence. The accommodation here is split into residences, each with four or five suites and a private swimming pool. Unless you need a lot of space to spread yourself out, it is most cost-effective to come here with another family or a few other couples.
7. Intercontinental Resort Bali
This facility is more of a traditional style hotel, towering above other buildings and with normal hotel suites. However, it is certainly not in the 'ordinary' category when it comes to furnishings, service or features! There are six pools, tennis courts and fine dining on site.
8. Jimbaran Puri Resort and Spa
Don't let the unpretentious furnishings fool you - this resort is the ultimate in luxury. Each cottage has its own private walled garden, a spacious indoor sitting area, sunken terrazzo marble bathtubs, rain showers and floor to ceiling windows overlooking beautiful gardens.
9. Legian Bali
Excellent service, attention to detail, constant cleaning and updating of the rooms and little extras like return limos to the airport, daily American breakfast and complimentary snacks make the difference here.
10. Uma Ubud
The Uma Ubud is a relatively new Bali hotel, opened in 2004. The hotel here is very much focused on the spirit of Bali, incorporating spiritual practices and ecological awareness into the entire experience.
There are hundreds of gorgeous resorts and hotels in Bali, all available at prices that are attainable for most of us. A definite must-see!

Seorang Diri, Rob Berlayar dari California ke Bali

Oleh: Agung Bawantara

Nama Mahindra Wondowisastro alias Rob Rama Rambini (52) kini tengah berkibar sebagai seorang pelaut tangguh. Maklum, seorang diri ia melayari lautan dari California, Amerika Serikat menuju Bali di Kepulauan Indonesia. Museum Rekor Indonesia langsung mencatatnya sebagai orang Indonesia pertama yang berlayar seorang diri mengarungi rute tersebut.

Rob Rama Rambini mengangkat sauhnya di Oakland California pada 8 mei 2010. Dari pelabuhan itu, ia arahkan perahunya menuju Honolulu Hawaii. Jarak itu berhasil dia tundukkan dalam waktu dua bulan. Waktu ini tergolong sedikit lambat. Itu karena perjalanannya mendapat gangguan dari alam. Perahu layarnya yang berukuran 10 meter itu rusak diterjang badai.

“Gelombang setinggi belasan meter, berkecepatan sekitar 50 knot per jam, membuat layar robek dan beberapa bagian perahu saya rusak. Itu terjadi sekitar 100 mil di selatan San Fransico,” tutur Rob.

Setelah memperbaiki kerusakan perahu itu di Hawaii, Rob melanjutkan pelayarannya mengarungi Samudera Pasifik. Ini merupakan petualangan yang sangat mendebarkan. Semua orang tahu, Samudera Pasifik adalah lautan yang sangat ganas untuk ditundukkan seorang diri dengan perahu berukuran mungil. Namun pria kelahiran Italia ini berhasil melakukannya. Ia menyusuri Kepulauan Polinesia dan berlabuh di Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, pada 25 Oktober 2010.

Dari Papua New Guinea, Rob melanjutkan pelayarannya menyusuri perairan selatan negeri itu memasuki perairan Indonesia. Di perairan ini Rob kembali menghadapi kondisi alam yang kurang bersahabat bagi pelayarannya. Di Laut Arafuru, misalnya, cuaca membuat laut setenang agar-agar. Ini disebabkan karena nyaris tak ada angin yang berembus. Akibatnya, Rob harus berusaha keras mengarahkan layar agar perahunya melaju ke arah yang hendak di tuju.

Setelah melewati perairan Arafuru, di antara Pulau Solor dan Flores, Rob justru menghadai situas yang berbalikan. Cuaca buruk kembali mengantarkan badai untuk pelayarannya. Dalam situasi darurat itu, Rob memutuskan untuk mendarat di Baranusa. Lima hari ia berada di pulau itu untuk menunggu badai reda. Begitu cuaca baik, pada 16 Februari 2011, Rob melanjutkan perjalanan dari Baranusa menuju Pulau Alor. Dari situ ia terus mengarahkan Kona, nama perahu kecilnya itu, menuju Flores. Keduanya berada di wilayah Nusa Tenggara Timur.

Setelah berjuang keras, pada 22 Maret 2011 Rob melego sauh dan menginjakkan kakinya di Pulau Flores. Di situ ia beristirahat beberapa hari untuk memulihkan tenaganya yang terkuras hebat. Setelah pulih, Rob kembali mengangkat sauh dan melanjutkan pelayaran ke tujuan akhirnya, Bali. Jarak ini ia tempuh dalam waktu 11 hari. Minggu, 3 April 2011, Pukul 02 dini hari, Rob tiba di Pelabuhan Benoa, Denpasar. Kedatangannya terlambat sepuluh jam dari yang dijadwalkan. Itu tentu karena cuaca buruk yang menghambatnya.

Begitu menapakkan kaki di dermaga Pelabuhan Benoa, Rob yang meski tampak letih dan kurus langsung menebarkan senyumnya. Ia tampak bahagia mendapatkan sambutan ibu dan keluarganya. Ia juga tampak sangat bahagia mendapat sajian gamelan bleganjur dan jegog serta tari penyambutan khas Bali.

Di sebelah ibunya, Trisutji Kamal, yang tidak dijumpai sudah selama hampir 30 tahun itu, Rob mengatakan kepada media bahwa motivasinya menempuh pelayaran berbahaya ini adalah untuk bertemu perempuan yang sangat dirindukannya itu.

“Juga untuk melihat keindahan alam Indonesia dari sudut pandang yang berbeda,” ujar Rob sembari menuturkan bahwa seluruh biaya pelayannya itu ia tanggung dengan uang yang ia rogoh dari sakunya sendiri. Jumlahnya sekitar Rp 250 juta.

“Itu jumlah yang sepadan dengan pengalaman yang saya dapatkan,” tandas Rob yang setelah ini berencana akan melakukan perjalanan keliling dunia seorang diri.