Archive for September, 2006
My neighbour here in Seminyak is an Aussie guy named Julian. His wife is from Spain and the are both surfers. Their daughter is about the same age as Jevon, but when they get the chance they still like to get in the water. This afternoon Julian told me Bali was getting strong onshore winds both on the western Bukit and in Seminyak.
Surfers like a 5mph offshore wind, to slow the waves down, and push the face up. Generally a wind that is perpendicular to the beach, is desirable. Onshore winds just make the waves fold over faster, and too much wind of any kind makes things messy.
Julian said about the only time of day you can get away from the wind is early morning or at midnight. Its possible to surf at night, as long as the moon is on the face side, of the wave. I’d rather be at Stadium Cafe, watching soccer, and helping a pitcher of beer surf down my throat.
Here’s the latest Bali surf news from BaliWaves.
source : www.baliblog.com
September 29th, 2006
Bali warungs and restaurants often attempt the impossible, to get chefs and staff, who have never eaten foreign food, to cook and serve an extensive menu, featuring several foreign cuisines. Once in a while this leads to surprising results. Sometimes he results are not that surprising after reading the menu.
Here’s abn artuice from a British newspaper, that highlights some dishes served in Bali and around the world. During my travels I have seen ‘Flog leg soup’ and here in Bali the favourite ‘Chicken Gordon Blue’.
What are some of the creatively spelled items you have seen on a Bali menu?
source : www.baliblog.com
September 29th, 2006
Bali is a literary destination! How about that! The
Ubud Readers & Writers Festival starts today and is growing into an event that is showing up on more people’s radar scopes. Here’s more from the Jakarta Post.
Let the festival begin! Among the luckiest people on earth must be those in Ubud, Bali, set on rewarding themselves with the various programs on offer at this year’s literary event. On Thursday, children’s workshops will kick off the third Ubud Writers and Readers Festival, held before the official opening Friday evening, after which participants will pay tribute to the late Pramoedya Ananta Toer, who was widely regarded as Indonesia’s leading writer.
Famed writers are trooping into the picturesque, tourist village, along with emerging poets and authors — the creative bunch who contribute to our joys of reading and watching movies.
Following on from previous years, the organizers have promised not only talks and public readings with authors from various countries, but also the chance to benefit from their valuable guidance. There is even a workshop on how to market your first book, be it a work of fiction or a book on travel or cooking.
Hopefully more locals will attend this year’s event, initially held as an attempt to “heal the wounds” after the bombings of 2002. The second terror attack on Bali did not stop the writers from gathering for the event last year.
For it is the country hosts themselves, the Indonesians, who are notoriously loathe — not to put down a book — but to pick one up, let alone write one. The local writers featured at the Ubud festival will hopefully inspire even those among us who think that putting words on paper is a terrifying prospect.
The comfortable excuse that ours is basically an oral, not written, tradition is starting to sound lame as teen-lit books penned by young Indonesians pile up on store shelves — however incomprehensible they may seem to adults. Youngsters also plow through 400 pages of Harry Potter in a few days, and remain glued to PCs, updating their blogs.
They are convinced they have something to share, for a few e-mails or a few minutes of chatting has proved someone out there is interested, regardless of the billions of words put out by professional writers each day. The young are undaunted by great authors like Pramoedya, and although this might make their elders wince, one unashamedly said she wrote her first book and her second, without so much as touching the abridged works of Shakespeare.
We have plenty to blame on the idea that writing belongs only to the sages as in the days of old. Improving school curricula has been a slow process and the rote system of learning is still predominant. The need for propaganda, mainly to ensure students grasped the official version of history, edged out the teaching of literature.
The results: Engage students in a writing contest and they will shake their heads. Announce a coloring competition and you easily get 100 participants, not all very young, who will willingly pay to join.
To overcome this chronic ailment dedicated individuals and organizations have sporadically held literary events, set up “writing schools” or neighborhood libraries; a few foundations have even been established for “talent scouting” and to issue literary awards.
But such events and attempts can never be too many; Ubud festivals are needed everywhere to inspire many more local writers.
For let us face it — we love parties, food and crowds — not noiseless libraries.
If that is what it takes to make us read and write a lot more, and therefore contribute to the documentation of the diverse experiences, passions, dreams and creations of our men and women, then let the Ubud spirit spread.
source : www.baliblog.com
September 29th, 2006
The 2005 Bali Bombings will be commemorated this Sunday, here in Bali at a secret location. Those attending will be relatives of the deceased, and those affected by the blasts.
Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Bill Farmer will also attend. The location is being kept secret, for security reasons and to keep the media out. Details of the location will sent by sms to those invited.
NewNineMsn.com has more on the commemoration, and tells the story of the Zwolinski family. The annual Bali Bombing Anniversary on October 11th will go ahead as planned in Kuta.
source : www.baliblog.com
September 29th, 2006
Uluwatu Temple, located on the steep drop cliff on the southermost of Bali is a temple with strong relation with the kingdom of Badung. Badung is one of 10 second level administrative government of Bali which capital city was Denpasar before the city become authonomy.
The kingdom of Badung was covering the area of current the municapal city of Denpasar and the Kabupaten Badung area. The palace of Badung Kingdom was located on what we now know as he city square or Alun alun, Bali Museum, and the Pura Jagat Natha. The family of the Badung kingdom now have the places such as Pemecutan, Kesiman, and Meregan. Uluwatu temple until now is under the maintenance of one of the royal family in Meregan or Jero Kuta. According to the chronicle of Dang Hyang Nirartha, a priest said to have come from Java, he was the one who built the temple including many big temples around Bali. It is said also that the priest was passing life in Bali and believed to have been ” moksa” here at Uluwatu temple. The meaning of moksa in the ancient sense is the sublimation of the body, so no one can find the remains of the dead. This sublimation is believed to unit to the origin or the god which is considered as the only source of his existence.
source : www.balitouring.com
September 28th, 2006
Uluwatu is a temple located on a narrow and steep drop cape. The steep drop is continually under strong abrasion of Indian ocean. The foundation of this temple is associated with the myth of famous Hindu Priest who had strong magic power. According to the myth, after the priest doing the reformation of the Hindu in Bali he than took a short meditation here and his body became disappeared absorbed by the nature. He is believed to have practiced what is considered the highest state in Hindu that is “ moksa “ Toward the sunset, a Kecak Dance, performed by sometimes more than 50 men topless, with chequered cloth, encircling flickering lights, and sing in a chorus of “ tjak tjak tjak tjak ………. The dance is not using musical background, but use chorus of human voice as the change. Basic story of the dance is taken from Great Ramayana Epic of India, that is the love story of king Rama and Princess Shinta.
Dinner Fresh Sea Food at local restaurant on the beach of Jimbaran Bay, a famous bay facing Indian Ocean, with dozen of cafés offering fresh sea food. In the evening, the beach changes into a magnificent view of Indian ocean. Fresh Seafood Menu at Jimbaran cafe including : Welcome drink + peanut, Vegetables soup, Prowns 250 grams, Live crab 300 grams, Squid (Cal) 200 grams, Fish 400 grams, White rice, Vegetables, Splite Sauce, Mixed Fresh Fruit and Soft Drink (on choice).
Duration 5 hours
Good time 16.00 – 21.00
Rate Per Person Minimum Participant 20 - Up persons
US$ 30.00 2 Persons US$ 23.00
source :www.balitouring.com
September 28th, 2006
Visiting a temple, particularly one that is a having a ceremony, or a special dance performance, is on of the special aspects of visiting Bali. One temple that occupies a unique location, and that is accessible to tourists, is Pura Luhur Uluwatu, on the Bukit peninsula.
•History of Pura Luhur Uluwatu:
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali’s directional temples (kayangan jagat), and guards Bali from evil spirits, from the SW.
This means that the temple affects the island as a whole and has meaning for all Balinese, not just the Uluwatu locals. During the Galungan festival (the most important event in the Balinese calender that occurs every 210 days and celebrates the victory of good over evil) people from all over Bali come to worship here.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is located on the cliff top close to the famous surf break on the west side of the Bukit peninsula.
The temple was founded in the 10th century by Empu Kuturan, a Javanese Hindu priest who built the tiered meru, and a shrine here, as well as at other key locations along the Balinese coast.
In the 17th century, Niratha also from Java came to Bali and built temples, including Pura Rambut Siwi,also adding to Uluwatu.
•Getting to Pura Luhur Uluwatu:
From Kuta from you take the Bypass, and head in the direction of Nusa Dua. Uluwatu is 18kms down the Bypass from Kuta and the turnoff is to the right.
The road Jl. Uluwatu takes you through the local area of Jimbaran, past some big hotels, before heading up the steep hill, and into the heart of the Bukit. Follow Jl. Uluwatu to the very end, where it terminates at a parking area, with Pura Uluwatu another 100 meters further on.
•Parking:
Parking is monitored by a uniformed attendant in a booth and the price is 1,000rp for motorbikes. He will to look after your helmet too for no extra charge, if you don’t want to leave it on your bike. Locals offering their services as guides can be found to, although its not pressure scene.
•Exploring Pura Luhur Uluwatu:
Walking towards the entrance of the temple, you will see the stone archway, with a set of rules and regulations for visitors, including the fact there was and entrance fee. The little office to the left of the entrance accepts the 3,000rp fee and lends you a ceremonial sash and sarong. This now means you are properly dressed. Staff at the office will warn you, the temple monkeys are aggressive. I have seen toursits lose their glasses and hat, as the monkeys will rush to grab any loose items.
The regulations say visitors can only walk around the temple, which may be a bit confusing. They are referring to the temple compounds themselves not the temple complex. When you have your sarong, sash and ticket, you can stroll through the 2 archways, (candi bentar) and down and long pathway towards the main temple courtyard.
Continuing straight, (bypassing the temple) you will see a cliff top path, that leads to a view point after several minutes. There was nothing special up there except this one lady with a both offering drinks and souvenirs. This route offers good view of the temple high up on the opposite cliff, great for photos.
It is possible for a visitor to navigate around and peer into the temple compounds although signs say not to enter. The temple compounds are made from white-grey coral blocks and are not really decorated in any special way. There are a pair of Ganesh’s (elephant Gods), guarding the entrance to the outer courtyard.
At the highest point has a view both north and south and has meru’s, the multi tiered structures featuring thatched roofs. This is the jeroan (inner courtyard) that most people do not have access to.
Monkeys were present in this part of the temple and as well as lingering in the branches of trees were happy to patrol the temple walls looking for an unsuspecting tourist. I had no problems with the monkeys on my visit but I have heard they can be a pest.
Descending the wide steps on the western side to the main part of the temple I passed the kulkul, belltower, which contains a wooden bell, slit down the middle, used to summon villagers. I also noticed a wantilan structure used for meetings. This seemed newer than the other stone temple structures and the monkeys were using this at home base.
Its possible to check out Pura Luhur Uluwatu in 1 hour if you are pushed for time.
Check out Made Wijaya’s site for some great pics of Pura Luhur Uluwatu. In particular, look at the large photo of the Balinese people praying at the jaba tengah (middle courtyard). Beyond that far wall, the temple drops off of a cliff, straight down to the ocean.
•Food & Drinks:
Drink vendors are outside. For food you’ll have to either go back down the hill and take a left, down to the Uluwatu surfing beach, for a few warungs (15 minutes), or take Jl. Uluwatu back the way you came, looking out for local warungs.
•Where to stay at Pura Luhur Uluwatu:
There is no accomodation Pura Luhur Uluwatu. If you need to stay in the area, check out the cliff top place at Padang Padang, Bingin, Balangan.
•Temple dances:
Daily temple kecak dances are held at 6-7pm. You can arrange these from every travel agent in Kuta. Shop around.
Source : www.baliblog.com
September 28th, 2006
The old saying is true, that visitors to your see more of it than you do. I am a longtern visitor to Bali, and have seen my fair share of it. One part of Bali I have never seen, that is popular
with visitors, is Nusa Lembongan.
Looking a map of Bali, you can see 3 islands across the Badung Strait to the south. These are Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida. The tourist island is Nusa Lembongan, famous for its surfing breaks (Shipwrecks, Lacerations, Playgrounds) and for its days trips for snorkeling.
Ika and Jevon are going to Java for most of Ramadan and the week of Idul Fitri. Ika wants him to experience the festive atmosphere and feel the spirit of the occassion, much like being in England for Christmas.
This gives me some extra space with which to explore and a trip to Nusa Lembongan is overdue. Looking at my guide book, the ‘Natural Guide to Bali‘, it tells me there are several ways I could get to Nusa Lembongan. These include: Public boats from Sanur beach, leaving daily at 8am and 10am (90 minute one-way, 35,000rp). Coming back the boats leave at 7.30am from Jungutbatu.
Perama does a shuttle from Sanur, leaving at 10.30am and returning at 8.30am, for 50,000rp. I’ll probably take Perama, as they are most likely be on time, and have a boat with no holes in. It is possible to charter a private boat for 300,000rp.
For people staying in Kuta, Perama has an office about 50 meters before the bottom end of Jl. Legian. Pop in and ask about their latest schedules and rates.
What’s on Nusa Lembongan?
Nusa Lembongan is basically a quiet fishing community located on a dry island. Westeners go there for surfing, staying at the guest houses in front of Lacerations and snorkeling, from day trip boats. There is budget accomodation as well as higher end. I’ll go for the budget and give a rundown of what else is there.
source :www.baliblog.com
September 27th, 2006
Since living in Bali I have met other expats, who have had their parents visit. The way it often works is a person moves to Bali, loves it, tells their parents about it, only to have them offer reasons why they don’t fancy coming out. These might include “Its too far,” “its too hot,” “I wouldn’t like the food,” “I can’t speak foriegn languages,” “its like the jungle,” “I heard they’re all Muslim out there.”
Let’s knock these on the head.
Its too far:
Bali is a long way fron N. America and Europe, but for mums and dads, who have time on their hands, a stopover in Dubai / Bahrein / Seoul, Hong Kong etc. could be a nice part of their trip.
Its too hot:
During the wet season (Nov-Mar) it is extremely hot and humid. At the peak of the dry season (July-Sept) the weather is warm / hot during the day, but cool in the mornings and evenings, with lower humidity. The other night I put on a sweater as I was cold.
I wouldn’t like the food:
The popular tourist areas (Kuta/Legian/Seninyak/Nusa Dua/Sanur/Ubud) have an amazing array of international food places. If I want I can get fish & chips (Wrap a Snapper), just like in London, about 5 minutes from my house in Seminyak. If you can’t handle rice or spicy food, you never have to.
I can’t speak foriegn languages:
I know expats who have lived in Bali fulltime, for 15 years and can’t speak Indonesian. You really don’t have to worry about the language barrier.
Its like the jungle:
There is a little bit of jungle left in Bali, up around Batukaru, but for the most part Bali does not resemble a jungle. Driving around East Bali, or the hills of Tabanan, most people will be impressed with the sweeping rice terraces and exotic landscapes.
I heard they’re all Muslim out there:
Indonesia is predominantly Muslim, Bali is not. Even if you you visit Muslim Java /Lombok, you will not feel any weirdness, as people are pretty cool. I’m a Muslim and I won’t give you a hard time (unless you steal my Bintang).
Talking recently to a British expat who’s parents visited, he told me they had a good time, and liked Bali as the weather was cool, in the evening. They did not care to sample Indonesian food, and that annoyed him a bit. Whatever, at least they made it out.
I reckon most parents could find something they’d like in Bali, aside from the selection of good food. Shopping for gifts, getting spa treatment, going for a drive in the mountains, checking out the Irish music at Cat & Fiddle in Sanur, visit a village with a local, see a Balinese dance in Ubud. If the parents are active, that opens up a whole other range of possibilites, including hiking, snorkeling, horse riding on Seminyak beach.
If I was retired and living in a cold climate, taking a couple of months off in Bali, would be a thing i’d do every year.
source : www.baliblog.com
September 27th, 2006
Before I was a parent I had no interest in kids, and it was not my ambition to have them. Now that I have a son Jevon, I think it is the most wonderful thing. Its better than having a pet, because a pet will only take you so far. I mean the smartest dog will still be salivating and wagging its tail, even as its intelligence peaks. A kid however, is a different ball of wax.
One of the aspects of being a dad I most enjoy is to see, on a daily basis, how Jevon’s awareness grows, and how he starts to consider how his actions will affect others. Tonight we sat on the step on my porch, and watched a couple of gecko’s having sex. When I tried to photograph the action, my extented macro lens accidently tapped them, and they split.
As far as diet, Jevon is displaying ‘bule’ tendencies already. He doesn’t really like rice, but likes bread, spaghetti, milk, cheese and fruit juice. Ika said in the evening she gives him fried tempe (soybeans) in soy sauce and he loves it. when she tries to give it to him for breakfast he won’t
touch it. “There you are.” I said. “Us bule’s don’t want to eat the same thing for breakfast, lunch and dinner.”
The little bugger can now climb up on the table, climb out of bed and into the bathtub. He touched the hot iron the other day, so has an idea of what ‘hot’ feels like. So far we have not used a ‘Kiddie backpack’, only the sling that Ika had, or a push chair. We either carry him or he walks. In a restaurant he is happy to sit in his own chair. Having a kid in Bali has been very easy so far.
source : www.baliblog.com
September 27th, 2006
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