Villa Bali

Ice Cream Sundae

2011-04-03T10:42:00.001+07:00

Ice Cream well known and often served as dessert ice cream has a long history of origin and remains a great debate about its origins.

The existence of the ice cream sundae already exist in the 1800s, the debate over the origins of the ice Sunday and triggered controversy, and several regions of the United States in claiming the origin of the ice, such as: Ithaca , Wisconsin, Two River, Des Plaines, Illinois, Evanston, Illinois, New York City, New Orleans, Louisiana Cleveland, Ohio, and Buffalo, New York.

Debate about the origin and apply for Ice Cream Sundae is considered a requirement for a certificate to Ithaca, because it is a documentary history of the birth of ice cream Journal of advertisements on paper diary, dated April 5, 1892. When such evidence can be seen Ice Cream Sundae is in Ithaca, and ice cream are 119 years at the table.

Map of Sanur

2009-11-22T14:00:00.007+07:00

Peta kawasan Kalurahan Sanur yang merupakan sentra pariwisata yang mempunyai ciri khas kawasan Sanur dengan pantai Sanur, daerah Sanur suasananya lebih tenang dan agak sepi di bandingkan kawasan wisata Kuta yang juga memiliki daya tarik pantai Kuta sebagai tujuan wisata.

Meskipun wilayah Sanur merupakan kawasan wisata dengan suasana tenang dan agak sepi akan tetapi fasilitas sebagai daerah wisata sangat memadai. Banyak pilihan tempat penginapan Baik Hotel berbintang, restauran, dan prasara wisata pantai.

Peta Wilayah Sanur

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Map of Nusa Dua

2009-11-22T13:58:00.007+07:00

Kawasan Nusa Dua dapat menjadi pilihan berwisata anda, selain pantai sebagai Obyek wisata. Wilayah wisata Nusa Dua tersedia banyak pilihan Hotel berbintang lima khususnya di area BTDC dan sepanjang Jalan Pratama.

Hotel Grand Hyatt, Melia Bali Hotel dan yang sekelasnya ada di kawasan tersebut. Untuk menjangkau kawasan Nusa Dua hanya memerlukan waktu kurang dari 15 menit dari Bandara International Ngurah Rai.

Peta Wilayah Nusa Dua

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Map of Kuta

2009-11-22T13:56:00.005+07:00

Kawasan wisata Kuta memiliki daya tarik tersendiri yaitu pantai kuta yang terletak disepanjang pantai Kuta. Disepanjang pantai Kuta maupun sekitarnya tersedia berbagai pilihan kelas Hotel.

Selain pendukung kawasan wisata di area Kuta juga tersedia berbagai macam restaurant yang menyediakan masakan baik masakan western/ barat, Balinese, Nasional ataupun Jepang.
Pantai Kuta juga terkenal dengan Kuta reef sehingga para Kuta menjadi surga bagi penggemar olah raga surfing.

Peta Wilayah Kuta

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Map of Denpasar

2009-11-22T13:46:00.004+07:00

Denpasar merupakan pusat pemerintahan propinsi Bali dan sekaligus sebagai pusat kegiatan bisnis dan birokrasi.

Peta Kota Denpasar

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Map of Bali

2009-11-21T20:33:00.009+07:00

Pulau Bali merupakan wilayah dari Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia yang memiliki daya tarik sebagai pulau wisata.

Pulau Bali yang dikenal sebagai Pulau Dewata ini memiliki berbagai daya tarik keindahan panorama alam dan Budaya. Sebagai tujuan wisata maka Pulau Bali telah mempersiapkan diri dengan berbagai infrastruktur pariwisata yang tersebar di setiap daerah. dengan membangun hotel, restauran dan prasarana wisata lainnya.

Peta Pulau Bali

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History of Bali

2009-10-15T10:20:00.008+07:00

Indian Influence

Early Balinese ruler adopted certain imported religious and administrative practice from India that enhanced their status and power. An important belief was in God –King, a divine incarnation on earth who exercised spiritual and political power through a hierarchy of priest. The realm and its people would prosper only as long as the king conducted himself in accordance with divine law. Although India provide social, theological and political models, the Balinese modified these to suit their own needs while retaining many indigenous practices. Indian deities for instance existed along side the ancestral spirits. Balinese contacts with India and with others Indian influenced kingdoms in Southeast Asia were established by in 1st century, and Buddhist dynasty was ruling Bali by 7th century.

Archeological remains from this era include inscriptions in old Balinese script on stone copper, which reveal that shrine or temples were erected for various rulers. Statues many have been carved and bronzes cast to portray royalty or other important people ornament caves, bathing places and temples cut out of rock were constructed near rivers, springs, ravines and mountaintops, strongly indicating that these place were connected with ancient religious beliefs.

Javanese Influence

In AD 989, the Buddhist Balinese king Udayana married the Hindu Javanese princess Mahendradatta creating a geographic, political, and religious union. A Hindu-Buddhist fusion that incorporated the ancient cult of ancestral worship was adopted as the state religion. During this time, Kawi or old Javanese, replaced old Balinese as the language of inscriptions and court edicts, indicating a Javanisation of Balinese royalty.
The couple’s son, Airlangga, was born in AD 991, and he later married a princess from the Javanese kingdom of Sanjaya. When his father –in- law was murdered, Airlangga waged years of warfare to defeat his rivals and enemies on Java. He finally gained control and ruled the island for the next three decades, while his younger brother Anak Wungsu, was installed as regent of Bali. Airlangga divided his realm in Java among his sons and retired to become and ascestic, but after his death in 1049, the brothers fought a long civil war against each others to gain supremacy on the island. As Bali was involved in the struggle, it became in independent kingdom for the next 235 years until the short –lived east Javanese kingdom of Singosari invaded in 1284 to retake the island. However, in 1292 Kublai Khan attacked Singosari for refusing to pay tribute to China and insulting his envoy ; thus Balinese became independent once again.
In 1343 east Javanese kingdom of Majapahit sent its general Gajah Mada to Bali. The general was sent to quell the cruel king Bedulu. According to legend, one day, the God Siwawas so offended by the king ‘s audacity, that he caused the king’s severed head to fall into a stream and be washed away. The king’s minister replaced the king’s head with that of a pig he killed. The tale follows that king Bedulu decreed that no one should ever look at his face again. When general Gajah Mada, who was staying at the royal court, look up from his meal to gaze at the king’s head, Bedulu begcame so angry that he was consumed by the fires of his own rage.
In reality, Majapahit kingdom was defeated the Balinese forces and process and proceeded to govern through a series of puppet rulers. Javanese style court along with its culture were introduced to Bali. Life changed when Majapahit broke up the old village structures. The Hindu caste system was introduced; at the apex were brahmana high priests, followed by royal satria, and wesia or merchants. Most of the population was commoner sudra or jaba (out-siders).
When the Hindu Majapahit kingdom began to crumble in 1515 with the rise of the Islamic sultanates in Java. Reluctant to succumb, the priest, nobles, and artisans of Majapahit empire chose instead to move to Bali, strengthening the Hindu culture that had taken root there. The Balinese in turn molded the Majapahit influences to their own needs, reinventing the Balinese culture. Much today’s language, music, art and literature are derived from time.

Dutch Intrusion

At beginning of the 19th century, the Dutch were looking for ways to gain a foothold on Bali. Ash deposits from Tambora’s eruption created soil so fertile that Balinese able to export food to Singapore. But the Dutch were suspicious of Balinese dealings with the newly established British colony of Singapore. By the end of 1830, the Dutch were openly discussing trade, politics, plundering and slavery with the king –veiled by deceitful treaties of friendship and commerce that would ultimately lead to Dutch sovereignty on the island. The Dutch want to end the practice of plundering shipwrecks, which the Balinese regarded as gifts from the deity of the sea. The ship, cargo and everyone on board automatically become the property of the king who ruled the territory where the incident occurred.
Thus, when a Dutch frigate went aground off Kuta in 1841, the Balinese naturally plundered it. The Dutch tried to get Balinese to sign a treaty putting a stop to this but were rebuffed.
In 1846, the Dutch launch a punitive expedition against Buleleng in the north, but the Balinese put up strong resistance. A second expedition was sent in 1848, and Balinese again fought off the Dutch attack. During the third expedition in 1849, backed by heavily armed soldiers, the Dutch attacked the fortification at Jagaraja. Backed into corner, the Balinese decided the only honorable course of action was end it all in self-sacrifice. This was when the Dutch first witnessed a puputan, ritual suiced that traditionally signaled the end of kingdom.
Led by the king of Buleleng, nobles marched into gunfire, and or poison. Thousand of Balinese men and women died.
Although the Dutch now regarded them-self as holding sovereignty on the island, they did not interfere in the internal affairs of the kingdom of south and east Bali. However when Buleleng tried to rebel in 1853, the Dutch took more direct control.

Chinese Influence in Bali

A 6th century Chinese trade journal refer to an island call P’o-li (Poleng). The description seems to be of a large place than just Bali and may have included east Java. In AD 670, Chinese pilgrim-scholar on his way to India wrote about visiting a Buddhist country called Bali.

Although Chinese impact on Bali is not well documented in historical annals and is not obvious to the first –time visitor, Bali has distinct Chinese connection. During 11th century, a Balinese king married a Chinese princess of the Kang clan and converted to her to Buddhist. The couple named their kingdom Bali Kang or Balingkang. The Hindu gods supposedly made her childless, so she died of sorrow and became Batari Mandul, The Barren goodness. Batari Mandul’s stone image is enshrined at the temple of Pura Puncak Penulisan. The long-haired Kintamani dogs from here are said to be descended from her pet Chinese chows.
Princess Kang is worshipped by Balinese and Chinese as Ida Ayu Subandar, the devine Harbour Queen . She is the deity of trade as well as the patron goodness of merchants. Pura Besakih and Pura Ulun Danu Batur temples both have large shrines in her honors.
Barong, of which there are various kinds, is Balinese dance form usually performed by two men. The female figure in the pair of barong landing (tall protective spirits) wears a white mask with Chinese-like facial features –an image indentified by many as princess Kang. These masked mythological creatures animated by two dancers are also found in china and many other parts of Asia. In Bali more over, the Chinese-style lion called barong sae is just like traditional Chinese lion dancers in that it dances to sounds gongs, drums and cymbals during certain auspicious times of the year in front of houses, businesses and temples.

Balinese architecture also points to distinct Chinese style. Both Balinese and Chinese homes and temples are surrounded by walls, which are sometimes inlaid with Chinese porcelain plates or ceramic lattice tiles. Just inside the gate, an aling-aling(privacy wall) is constructed to prevent demon’s, who can only move straight, from entering. In both China and Bali, separate buildings with upward curving roof corners are arranged around an open central courtyard. A few Balinese textile patterns and woodcarving motifs are shared with the Chinese such as karang cina

(Chinese foliage) and karang sae (Chinese lion foliage).
Beyond the Chinese Buddhist temples in every major town, one need not look very far to find other vestiges of Chinese influence. Chinese copper alloy coins with centre holes are used in offerings and are strung together to create ritual objects. They are also used as sacred images of the Hindu deities of prosperity and fertility as well as for shrine hangings and effigies.
The Chinese romance of the butterfly lover was adapted long ago into Balinese as sampik-Engtai and used for dance dramas. Also, the Baris Cina is a Balinese warrior dance in which men dressed in Chinese attire perform martial arts with swords.

Traditional Music Bali

2009-10-13T21:50:00.006+07:00

Free Download

Joged Bumbung Dance - Sekar Jepun

Kecak

Gong Kebyar

Solo Plute

Barong

Angklung

Baleganjur

Gegineman

Gilak Melasti

Gong Kebyar - Siungkala

Baris

Tabuh Kreasi Bajramusti

Tari Kreasi Trio Satya Dwaya

Joged Bumbung - Pudak Wangi

Joged Bumbung Dance - Gambang Saputangan

Instrument Debung Bali

Tabuh Pemendak

Tabuh Pengawit

Tabuh Untat

Tabuhan

Tabuh

Campuhan

Caplok Bangkung

Gurnita Sandi

Villa Aliya

2009-10-13T20:30:00.010+07:00

Villa Aliya was named after the lovely daughter of the villa’s owners. Designed as a holiday home for the family themselves, this 4-bedroom villa has an amazingly central location in Seminyak, tucked away in a discreet luxurious complex less than 300 metres from the beach. While Seminyak is known for its international restaurants, chic boutiques and glittering nightlife, Villa Aliya’s location on a dead-end road with no traffic, surrounded by expansive tropical landscaped gardens makes it an oasis of calm in the middle of Seminyak’s bustle. Staying at Villa Aliya means you never have to get into a car if you don’t want to – the beach, some of the best known restaurants in Bali, great shops and bars are all within walking distance. Given that the villa itself was created as a holiday home for the family, with all creature comforts and much tasteful attention to detail, you might never even want to venture far beyond it.

Generously laid out on over 600 sqm and two levels, Villa Aliya has a light, contemporary style rounded off by carefully selected Indonesian antiques and ethnic accent pieces providing local timbre.

The Villa has generous open living spaces flowing into each other that were designed to catch a breeze and allow you to enjoy the best of tropical living. The property features 4 air-conditioned bedrooms with modern en-suite bathrooms, a contemporary fitted kitchen with all appliances, two separate open dining areas, a large comfortable living room, a generous open lounge or bar area and a small office space.
A state of the art Bose sound system can be controlled remotely from the living room, the pool and the dining area. Wireless Internet is provided throughout the premises. A large beautifully landscaped garden doubles the property’s size and is ideal for private events or celebrations with children.

Jim Thompson, Ralph Lauren and Tommy Bahama fabrics were used to create a fresh blue and white colour scheme through out the ground floor, and a tasteful tropical green scheme on the second floor. They were combined with carefully selected Indonesian antiques, iconic designs such as McGuire Rattan sets and modern functional furniture pieces to create tasteful and comfortable living spaces.

Special attention was paid to making sure Villa Aliya is ‘kids friendly’ while at the same time allowing parents a maximum of privacy. The comfortable entertainment room that easily converts into a fourth bedroom provides children with their own space to be in while parents can relax in the bar area next door.

The pool area was designed to have no ‘dead corners’ and non-slipping finishes such as roughened granite floors and wooden patios around the pool provide additional safety.

Resin lamps used throughout much of the house not only provide a lovely warm light, but are safer than traditional glass lamps when it comes to being blown over by the wind or by children.
An environmentally friendly solar system provides hot water throughout the property, gray water from the house is recycled for use in the garden, and the pool is based on an ionized system that is not only good to the environment with its reduced need for chlorine but is great for your skin too.

Villa Aliya even has its own personally designed spa products, with a fresh and nurturing fragrance combining lemongrass, ginger and cucumber for Villa Aliya handwash and bodywash. Additional products from Republic of Soap’s green tea and lavender/oatmeal line make sure you feel pampered in every way during your stay.

Living room

A striking eye-catcher in the living room is the living back wall filled with ferns, stag horns and orchids.
This is a clever re-interpretation of an old Dutch room design where air slits close to the ceiling facilitate air flow through the room. The living wall provides a colourful green backdrop for comfortable oversized white Sunbrella sofas decorated with Ralph Lauren cushions in blue and white, and a beautiful McGuire rattan set. Old Balinese wooden house columns were converted into decorative standing lamps. The living room opens up to the pool and has a view of the dining pavilion on the other side.

Office

A separate room at the back was set up as a small office with a computer and printer and a high speed internet connection to make sure that you can stay in touch with the world if you want to. However wireless Internet is available throughout the premises should you wish to keep in touch on your laptop.

Kitchen

The large friendly kitchen continues the blue and white colour scheme created for the downstairs living areas in a modern interpretation of old Dutch colonial style, with replicas of old tiles adding the finishing touch.
Every cook will enjoy the well thought out layout and the state of the art appliances, including a generously sized fridge and a wine cooler.

Bedrooms

Villa Aliya has 4 air-conditioned bedrooms. The villa was designed so that two couples can comfortably share it at the same time; the two master bedrooms are both on the ground level and are of a similar general setup with generous en-suite bathrooms.
Each bedroom features Bose ipod speakers, a 32-inch flat screen TV, ceiling fans and generous wooden wardrobes or walking wardrobes with safety deposit boxes and plenty of storage space.
The first master bedroom has a view of the pool, a large water feature and the garden beyond. The centre of the room is a romantic antique four-poster king-sized bed wrapped in voile. The bedroom also includes a small desk area and a daybed.

The second master bedroom features an antique Javanese bed made of carved old teak wood that was turned into a tasteful headpiece for the king-sized bed. A reading area with a pair of old Javanese wicker chairs complete.
The room is located on the other side of the living area and the pool from the first master bedroom to maximize privacy.
The third bedroom is located upstairs and has two striking queen sized single beds made of old carved Madura benches. French doors lining the entire length of the room open onto a private balcony with a view of the pool, the landscaped gardens beyond and the outside dining area.

Entertainment Room / Fourth Bedroom

The fourth bedroom is a large lounge space that serves as an entertainment room during the day, with lots of colourful Jim Thompson cushions and mattresses for casual lounging and afternoon naps. The latest 50-inch flat screen TV and a Bose sound system provide high quality entertainment. A card table is also available for more hands-on fun.
Trundle beds built into the lounge area allow the room to be converted into a bedroom within moments; thereby making it especially suited for children. This room was conceived to provide children with their own safe, fun space – giving their parents a chance to relax on their holiday as well.

Bathrooms

All bathrooms were designed in a tasteful ‘beachy’ theme contrasting cream coloured granite with antique woods.
Bathrooms all feature two sinks, and the en-suite bathrooms to the 3 main bedrooms have large eggshell bathtubs in addition to open air showers. Antique Jepara wooden carvings from Java were used to create striking mirror frames.
The bathroom furniture was made from old recycled teak, thereby not only using beautifully aged hardwood but continuing the environmentally friendly theme of Villa Aliya.

Upstairs Lounge / Bar Area

Open on three sides to wonderful views of landscaped gardens and traditional Balinese thatched roofs, the upstairs Bar area almost always catches a breeze from the ocean.
Colourful prints of old drink advertisements decorate the back of the bar area, while comfortable sea grass bar stools invite hanging out at the bar.
Large day beds covered in bright Sunbrella and Tommy Bahama materials provide additional comfortable spaces to lounge. Beautifully hand crafted rattan fans hand enhance the feeling of tropical living.

A specially designed resin chandelier above the bar creates warm, intimate lighting, while a Bose sound system provides high quality musical entertainment. This room is guaranteed to become one of your favourite spaces in Villa Aliya.

Dining Areas

Villa Aliya has two dining areas. The first is a breakfast area made of large wooden benches and a solid table set between the kitchen and the living room. Colourful cushions and specially commissioned modern art completes this space’s fun and casual look.
The second dining space is located in a separate Balinese pavilion or Bale across the pool with 10 comfortable rattan chairs and a large wooden table. Old Balinese house columns were turned into tasteful standing lamps, and a Bose system provides discreet musical ambience. This area has a view of the pool, the main house and the garden.

Garden and Pool

At the centre of the grounds and thereby the house lies a large ionized lap pool of 14 x 4meters with a waterfall feature at the end.
Double sun lounges on the wooden deck alongside the pool are perfect for enjoying the sun with large frangipani trees providing shade.
A small raised Bale next to the dining area with a view of the garden serves as an additional resting space next to the pool and is ideal for getting a relaxing massage or afternoon reading.
The landscaped garden beyond the pool covers half the property and was designed by Anto Kusnanto. Its generous space is perfect for private functions or children having fun.

Services

Complimentary airport transfers (20 minutes door to door)
24 Hour Butler
Complimentary full American breakfast
Fully equipped modern kitchen and our very own Chef
Air conditioning and ceiling fans in all guest rooms
Cable TV, DVD players and Bose music systems in all bedrooms and living areas
DVD Movie Collection
Safety Boxes in all bedrooms
Laundry and dry cleaning service
14m x 4m swimming pool
Double sun loungers by the poolside
Traditional Bale at poolside for dining up to 10 people
High-speed computer / wireless broadband available
IDD Telephone/Fax/Printer/Scanner & Copier
Excellent cell phone coverage
Car rental and tour guide services available
Parking space for at least 2 cars
Easy taxi service
Massage Services available by arrangement
Infant/baby cot available
Baby-sitting services available
Personal parties can be organized with catering
24-hour uniformed security

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Location Map

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Saba Villas

2009-10-13T19:43:00.014+07:00

SABA is a cleverly designed complex of five, luxurious, self-contained villas, four with two bedrooms, one with one bedroom, and each with a private entrance, a private swimming pool, and interconnecting garden doors. Each property can therefore be linked or remain totally separate and private, presenting guests with a choice of any combination from a one-bedroom to a nine-bedroom renting option.

Furthermore, SABA offers guests the choice of different levels of service, ranging from completely private, self contained living, up to the luxurious option of being fully pampered with chefs, butlers and a comprehensive menu of services.

ABOUT SABA

SABA embraces seclusion, relaxation and comfort within a tranquil setting surrounded by rice paddies in the village of Berawa on Bali’s southwest coast, less than 10 minutes from the bustling heart of trendy Seminyak.

This beautiful setting offers the double attraction of being relatively close to everything that guests might need, while also offering visitors a privileged insight into the traditions of rural Bali. Cows are herded through the fields, the sound of ritual music is carried on the breeze, and guests can witness the farmers hand-ploughing the fields or harvesting the rice.

Designed by internationally-renowned architect, Ross Franklin, the contemporary styled properties feature large bedrooms, garden bathrooms, open air living and dining pavilions, well equipped kitchens, swimming pools, gorgeous tropical gardens, sculptures, commissioned artwork, water features, cable TVs and DVD players, as well as WiFi internet access throughout.
All five villas are situated around a private, central courtyard with parking facilities for up to five cars, and a 24-hour staffed, service area with a fully equipped service kitchen and laundry, plus power back-up generator.

The name SABA appropriately means “a place frequented” or “a meeting place” in Sanskrit, the originating language for Balinese.

ACCOMMODATION
Bedrooms

Each spacious, air-conditioned bedroom features a teakwood floor, sliding glass doors that open into the garden, fitted wardrobes with drawers and hanging space, and a wall safe. Each of the master bedrooms in the two-bedroom villas is furnished with a king size bed, while each guest bedroom presents a queen-sized bed that can be converted into twin beds if required. The one-bedroom ‘honeymoon villa’, offers a king-sized bed which may also be converted to twin bed accommodation. Each master bedroom also has a ceiling fan, a desk and chair behind the bed and a dressing area with a dressing table and a mirror. All bedrooms are equipped with a 37” LCD TV/DVD player and cable television plus a JBL Radial iPod speaker system. Each en-suite open air bathroom is fitted with a terrazzo bathtub, a standing rainshower, double washbasins and a toilet. Bathroom floors are non-slip, while bathtubs and showers are sheltered from the elements by overhanging roofs. The bathroom in the one-bedroom villa offers direct access to the 10-metre pool.

Living and Dining

Of the four, two-bedroom villas, two have very extensive living/entertaining areas. Each has an indoor, air-conditioned dining room, furnished with a large dining table and adjoining an open plan, well equipped kitchen. These two villas also boast standalone, open-sided, living pavilions with a soaring roof, positioned beside the 15-metre pools. Living areas are furnished with deeply cushioned segmented sofas, ottomans and coffee tables.

Each of the other two, two-bedroom villas has open-air living combined with a dining area beside a 13-metre pool, complemented by a separate kitchen. The one-bedroom villa features an open-air living and dining room with an open plan kitchenette. All living areas are provided with a Bose Sound Dock and fully loaded iPod Classic, with a huge, diverse collection of music to suit all tastes.

Kitchens

The fully equipped, gourmet kitchens in each of the two-bedroom villas are fitted with teak units and include full-sized fridges, ovens, five-burner gas hobs, microwaves, blenders and toasters. The one bedroom villa has a kitchenette with a single-burner gas hob, a fridge and a microwave.

Gardens and Pools

The private, walled, tropical gardens of SABA present lush, flat lawns, colourful shrubs, flowering trees and impressive sculptures.
Each of the two largest villas has a 15-metre swimming pool as well as a ‘bale’ relaxation pavilion. Each of the other two-bedroom villas has a 13-metre pool, one of which is heralded by a ‘bale’ pavilion. The one-bedroom villa has a 10-metre pool with timber deck. The pool decks are furnished with sunbeds and sun umbrellas. Please note the pools require toddler supervision.

Amenities

Amenities include guest washrooms, extra beds or cots on request, mountain bikes, Bose or JBL music players, pre-loaded iPods, and free WiFi internet access. A wall safe and 37” cable channel LCD TV with DVD player are provided in each bedroom. Guests also have access to SABA’s library of DVDs, books, magazines and games.
Just a 10 minute walk away is the luxurious and wide-ranging Canggu Club, membership of which is provided complimentary to all guests.

SERVICES
Food and Beverage

SABA’s internationally trained chefs can prepare anything from snacks up to five-course dinners, or other requests as required. A full international menu is available with daily ‘Chef’s Specials’. All ingredients are carefully selected with the emphasis on freshness and healthy choices.
The villas also provide a realistically-priced beverage selection. Alternatively, guests can choose a self catering option. A full breakfast is included in the room rate and guests can order from a wide choice.

Staff

SABA is supported by a carefully selected team of highly trained, friendly staff who will do their Balinese-best to ensure that their guests experience a truly enjoyable stay in Bali.
The team is headed by an on-site manager who will oversee and coordinate the staff and property, and is available to assist guests during their stay. The team also includes in-house chefs, butlers, housekeepers, gardeners, pool attendants and security guards providing 24-hour coverage.

The chefs are trained in the preparation of both local and international cuisine, and are responsible for all the market shopping in accordance with the needs and the whims of the guests.

The housekeepers fulfil all of the housekeeping duties while also taking care of the daily laundry. Baby-sitting, spa services and the provision of a car and driver can be arranged upon request.

Canggu Club

Located within walking distance is the magnificent Canggu Club, Bali’s first and only international private members’ club; offering sports, dining, social and leisure facilities, including a state-of-the art gym, a 25-metre swimming pool and a tennis & squash centre.

Access to the Canggu Club is complimentary to all SABA guests.
LOCATION

SABA is hidden away in the traditional Balinese village of Berawa, near Canggu on Bali’s south-western coast. This delightful villa complex is located within the beautiful agricultural belt between Kuta and Tanah Lot, an area that is home to some of the most luxurious private residences on the island.

Bounded by emerald rice paddies, the peaceful vista is enhanced on clear days by the magical sight of the mountains in the early mornings and evenings. Yet, the trendy Seminyak area, with its wide choice of international restaurants – including the famous ‘Ku Dé Ta’, ‘Living Room’, ‘Hu’u’, ‘La Lucciola’ and ‘Sarong’ – together with a plethora of chic cocktail bars, exciting nightclubs, lavish spas and elegant boutiques, is a mere 10 minutes’ drive away. The nearby sweeping beaches are a pleasant 5 to 10 minute walk away and are renowned for panoramic coastline views, legendary sunsets and world-class surf breaks.
For horse lovers, the Umalas Equestrian Centre is just a few kilometres away, and Nirwana Golf Course – designed by Greg Norman and well-known as one of the best golf courses in Asia – is a 30 minute drive. A choice of local restaurants and a deli supermarket are both within a few minutes’ walk of SABA.

The neighbouring district of Kerobokan is famous for its furniture workshops, antique and curio shops, as well as being the location of the internationally-acclaimed, French fine-dining restaurant, ‘Kafe Warisan’. SABA is 30 to 40 minutes’ from the international airport, and convenient for all of the island’s main shopping malls and tourist attractions, including Tanah Lot, Bali’s most dramatic and venerated sea temple.

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Floor Plan

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The Purist Villas and Spa

2009-10-12T23:18:00.010+07:00

The Purist Villas & Spa is committed to providing its valued guests with excep¬tional space, unparalleled privacy and a heartening personal service.

Located in Ubud, the cultural and spiritual centre of Bali, this exceptional spa-villa facility is devoted to health, beauty and wellness.
Designed for optimal comfort and aes¬thetic appeal, each villa features an open living and dining environment. Wooden sundecks lie beside the pool which is sur-rounded by tropical gardens, offering an intimate and relaxed setting.

The master bedroom boasts a king-size canopied bed, an indulging spa-like open air bathroom and is equipped with a plasma television and satellite channels.
In the Hindu belief, balance and harmo¬ny are the central elements of life. This creed is at the very essence of the Purist Villas and Spa experience.

ACCOMODATION

GARDEN RESIDENCE with private pool The Garden Residence comprises two villas, situated around a private pool. Each villa features an open living and dining area and wooden sundecks with sun loungers.

The Pool villa is a modern, Balinese style villa, and boasts a king size bed.
Glass doors are opening directly to the pool, surrounded by bamboo walls and a tropical garden with on one side the sundeck, with two double sun loungers. The bathroom with a stone bathtub and half open air shower room is decorated with limestone.

The Timor villa is a big and antique wooden house from the island of Timor, and is completely renovated with modern features, for optimal comfort.
It comprises a bedroom with four poster king size bed, and a living area, where there is enough room to place an extra child’s bed. The bathroom has a covered outdoor space with the stone bathtub and a separate shower.

One side of the living room has doors opening to a big sundeck with views to the lush tropical nature, and the other villas of The Purist, situated on a lower level of the estate.
The other side of the living room has big wooden doors, opening to the pool area. If rented separately, these doors will be kept closed, so that each villa offers optimal privacy.

RIVER RESIDENCE

The River Residence comprises two villas, connected by a royal covered but half open living with lounge sofas. A small river is streaming almost through this relaxing area, and brings a peaceful atmosphere by the sound of streaming water. The two villas are identical. They have both a modern and minimal design, and are decorated with various Balinese art and objects. One villa has a king size bed, and the other villa has the possibility to change the beds into two twin beds. The bathrooms give you the feeling of being in your own spa.
Each villa has its own sundeck with impressive views, and have direct access to the huge main pool of The Purist.

JUNGLE VILLA

This modern , Balinese style villa is located at the other side of the main pool and has direct pool access along the small river which is streaming through the estate.
It is overlooks the lush jungle at the other side of a river deep below, and therefore one enjoys the sound of streaming water.
The villa has a four poster, king size bed, and a royal bathroom with a small goldfish pond. This half open spa-like bathroom is an ideal place for guests who prefer to receive in-villa treatments.
Glass doors open onto to a covered and half open lounge area.

BAMBOO VILLA, with private pool. This villa has its own pool with a waterfall to the lower level, where the Spa and Yoga building is situated.
It comprises a bedroom with four poster king size bed, and a small living area with an extra sofa bed that is separated from the main bed area by a bookcase with flat screen tv, (This villa sleeps up to three people).
At the other side of the pool is a Bale-like lounge and dining area, with a wooden sundeck between the Bale and the villa.
The entire garden is surrounded by natural stone walls and a lot of beautiful yellow bamboo.

HILL VILLA, with private pool.

This big wooden antique house from the island of Timor, is completely redesigned with a grey pebble stone on the ground floor and a mix of wood and beige limestone on the walls.
Here you will find the twin bedroom, which easily can be transformed into a second bedroom with king size bed. This room can also be used as a “siesta place” as this room has glass doors which open up directly to the pool area.
At a split level part of the villa you will find the master bedroom with a four posted king size bed.
The two rooms are connected by a five meter high ceiling with an ‘alang-alang’ roof. (This is a typical Balinese roof knitted from straw). They share a half indoor and outdoor bathroom with a stone bathtub and separate shower room.
The living room has glass doors at two sides opening to a wooden sundeck with a covered dining area.

This impressive house is decorated throughout with wood carvings and is built on a hill with an open view. However privacy is assured due to its lush tropical garden.

LOCATION

Located approximately 50 minutes from the airport, ’The Purist Villas and Spa’ lies in Ubud, behind Kutuh Katje, a small rural village surrounded by rice paddies that is only walking dis¬tance away from Ubud’s center.
In this picturesque setting it is possible to experience the traditional daily rituals and ceremonies that symbolize Bali¬nese life.
Reknowned as the cultural and spiritual centre of Bali, and surrounded by tropi¬cal forests and white rivers, Ubud provides a window to Bali’s mysterious and colorful past. For these and many other reasons, Ubud has become home for writers and artists from all over the world.
Ubud is also the location of some of the world’s most famous and elegant 5-stars hotels, typical Balinese food restau¬rants, as well as yoga, spa and well¬ness centers.

Purist

puristservfacilities

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Map Location

Location Map

Tarif

The Arsana Estates

2009-10-12T22:36:00.012+07:00

The Arsana Estate is located in Nyambu, one of the prettiest villages in Bali and only a mere thirty minutes drive from Bali's stylish centre, set amidst the rice fields of the Tabanan Regency and perched amongst a set of lush terraces overlooking a raw tropical jungle backdrop.

The Estate is tiered on three levels: the villas with a stunning view of the entire valley and the mountains in the distance; the living areas set amongst the tree tops, and the pool and pool house overlooking the Sungai River.
Designed as the ultimate marriage of pure luxury and Asian comfort, The Arsana Estate's promise is to ensure the highest quality of personal service tailored to a guest’s particular requirements. Whether that be a butler organizing cocktails at sunset, a personal yoga teacher or a celebration of a lifetime, a stay at The Arsana Estate will be etched into memory long after a guest’s well deserved break is over!

The Bedrooms

The master suite comprises an air-conditioned study room, which is almost completely surrounded by glass, an air-conditioned TV room with a wall-mounted, 32-inch screen satellite TV, DVD player and quality sound system, a bedroom, dressing area and bathroom. There are two open air seating areas:-the "sunken lounge' overlooking the jungle and ideal for an early morning cup of tea, and an open-air relaxation bale with a huge cushioned daybed. The bale is a great spot for relaxing with a book or a cocktail; it enjoys gorgeous views of the garden and the sunsets.

Each air-conditioned one bedroom pavilion is secluded and private. Two one bedroom villas accommodate comfortable queen size beds, whilst one villa has been specifically designed with friends or children in mind and has two twin beds within a similarly designed setting. The beds can also be moved together to accommodate couples.
Each of the cream terrazzo bathrooms are bordered by a bulrush pond, and each features a sunken soaking tub, a toilet within its own frosted glass cubicle, and a spacious, glass shower cubicle. Glass doors fold open to create an open-air experience.

The “Hub” – Living Areas

This is the social hub of the villa, an impressive symmetrical two tier building which presides over the terraces and swimming pool. The upper level includes a hip cocktail bar, huge lounge area, a dining area and an open breakfast bar. This
area can be as intimate or grand as required. For more formal entertaining it's capable of housing large groups for dinner, or for cocktails and canapés around the pool.
The lower level includes two cosy inlets perfect for massage treatments, an eighteen metre infinity pool overlooking a jungle paradise and a large poolside area, perfect for open air daytime dining.

Located in a private room off the 'Hub', the games room houses a billiard table, a chess set, two big armchairs and a host of bar stools positioned next to a bar-shelf, where guests can sit and rest their drinks while watching their opponents at work.
The air-conditioned AV room is located to one side of the bar. It is equipped with a 60 inch, LCD, flat screen, satellite TV, together with a DVD player and a quality sound system with surround speakers positioned on the ceiling.

The Living Room

This large living space overlooks the swimming pool below, and its folding glass doors open onto a sunny terrace. The room features a teakwood floor and is furnished with a huge, deeply cushioned red sofa, an arching chrome designer lamp and a low level coffee table. The perfect pre and post dinner chill out area to enjoy starlit views of the tropical palm backdrop.
A semi-circular terrazzo bar is located next to the living room, and is equipped with six smart red bar stools, red lamps and well-positioned bose music speakers. This well-stocked bar is a great place for taste testing the array of cocktails on order! It also presents the perfect reception facility for parties and events.

The Dining Room

The large dining room is a mirror version of the living room, situated on the opposite side of the open-air terrace. The room is furnished with an impressive glass-topped dining table that seats fourteen people in comfortable cushioned dining chairs. Like the living room, it boasts glass walls on three sides, which folds open onto the terrace. The Estate's chef will prepare a sumptuous meal to personal taste, ensuring guests will enjoy fine dining in this al fresco setting.
The stylish open-plan kitchen is a designers dream in white terrazzo and stainless steel. Pendulous aluminium lanterns hang over the worktop, which doubles as an eating area housing eight white 'satellite dish' stools.

The open-air breakfast room is a pergola with a terracotta tiled floor. It is furnished with a wood and chrome table and matching chairs and is decorated with beautiful potted orchids. A great outdoor area in which to each a fresh breakfast juice and soak up the rising sun!
Should guests decide to enjoy breakfast or lunch outside, the poolside dining lounge is a cool, informal area to snack and chat in the midst of nature's luxury.

The Pool

Undeniably one of the largest villa pools on the island, an infinity pool rests at the foot of the Hub, fed into by a fifteen metre cascading water feature. The 18 x 6 metre swimming pool features two infinity edges and boasts an ironwood deck that extends the length of the pool and almost appears to float upon the surface of the water. There is a separate pool designed for the kids..or kids at heart!

The fast-flowing river at the foot of the Estate is particularly beautiful. Guests will be lulled by the soothing flow of the water and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, beautiful butterflies and birds including the Java Kingfisher, a tropical addition to the Estate. They can also witness the traditions of rural Bali, as one part of the garden presents a small terraced rice field and a vegetable garden.

Services and facilities
Upon arrival guests will be met by the villa’s personal and discreet staff including a villa manager, professional chef and twenty four hour butler service. Available to cater to all needs, whether that should be cocktails and canapés by the pool or an impromptu dinner party, the villa’s staff will arrange all to suit your individual requirements. Other services are:

Complimentary airport transfers
Welcome drink, garland and chill towel upon arrival
Use of a car and driver for up to 10 hours per day
Fully equipped kitchen with professional chef
Complimentary bottled water (aqua)
A/C to bedrooms, study, audio visual room and billiards and games room
telephone/fax
mobile telephone access
computer and wireless broadband connection
stereo,DVD and flat screen tv’s
18 x 6 infinity edge swimming pool
Riverside relaxation bale
Dedicated team of 16 staff on site
24 hour security
Audio visual room
Billiard and games room
Laundry and dry cleaning service available
Baby sitting or child minding service available on request

mainvillaandpoolbynight

guestbedroomview

guestbathroom

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Floor Plan :

Floor Plan

Tarif

Lakshmi Villas

2009-10-11T21:17:00.018+07:00

Lakshmi Villas are a private, luxury oasis in the heart of the fashionable Seminyak area of Bali. Just twenty minutes drive from the airport and only a short 100 meter walk to Bali’s best restaurants, shops, nightspots and beachfront cafes.
Have a sunset swim at your Lakshmi Villa, dine at Ku De Ta then dance at Hu’u Bar !.

A contemporary Balinese-style enclave, the property is composed of private villas set within the luxurious Laksmana Villas private residential estate.
Our 4 villas are:

- Villa Toba (2 bedrooms)
- Villa Kawi (2 bedrooms)
- Villa Solo (1 bedroom + Den)
- Villa Ubud (2 bedrooms + Upper Sunset Deck)
Special features:

Villas Kawi and Solo can be joined to form a 3 bedroom villa.
All villas have their own private swimming pool, set in tropical gardens.
Full breakfasts are complimentary each day for 2 persons per bedroom.
Enjoy first class meals from our on-site Master Kitchen and Chef.
Each villa features a large open-air living and dining pavilion, perfect for relaxed poolside enjoyment, with Room Service snacks and beverages.
All bedrooms are airconditioned and have cable TV and DVD/CD players.
Every villa has wireless Broadband Internet access.

The professional staff of Lakshmi Villas will help you to make the best of your luxury stay with us, including in-villa massages, day tours and transport and even Balinese cooking lessons in the private kitchen of your own Villa.

Enjoy Bali in the private luxury of Lakshmi Villas...!!!

Villa Lakshmi

Villa Lakshmi

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Bedroom Villa Laksmi

Floor Plan :

Floo Plan

Tarif

Kasta

2009-01-17T16:54:00.036+07:00

Pedanda

Pada ajaran Hindu tidak dikenal yang namanya kasta namun umat Hindu mengenal pembagian kelompok masyarakat berdasarkan keahliannya yang disebut dengan warna dimana dikenal ada empat warna atau empat kelompok profesi umat Hindu yaitu :

Brahmana, kelompok masyarakat yang bertugas beprofesi sebagai agamawan yang mendalami ajaran ajaran agama dan memimpin upacara upacara keagamaan, Pada jaman dahulu dipercaya hanya orang orang dari golongan brahmana yang boleh membaca yan namanya kitab suci agama hidu serta orang yang memahami ajaran agama disebut dengan brahmana.

Ksatria, kelompok masyarakat yang berprofesi sebagai prajurit atau pejabat negara atau kerajaan jaman dahulu baik itu dari prajurit sampai sang rajanya termasuk dalam kelompok ini.

Wesya, kelompok masyarakat yang berprofesi sebagai pedagang atau orang yang bertanggung jawab dalam bisnis.

Sudra, kelompok paling akhir ini adalah orang yang berprofesi sebagi petani atau pelayan

Dalam perkembangan selanjutnya masyarakat di Bali, pada masa penjajahan Belanda ditetapkanlah sistem kemasyarakatan dimana masyarakat di Bali di bagi bedasarkan kelompok kelompok tersebut di atas tentunya hal ini merupakan politik Belanda untuk memecah belah penduduk Bali pada masa itu.

Pura BaliDan kelompok masyarakat ini disebut dengan kasta yang diwarisi secara turun menurun. jadi sekali lagi kasta sangat berbeda dengan warna karena pada masa sekarang meskipun orang berasal dari kasta brahmana bisa juga berprofesi sebagai petani atau pedagang jadi warnanya mereka tetap sebagai sudra atau wesya. Sampai saat ini masyarakat Bali masih tetap memberikan penghormatan yang tinggi untuk orang orang dari kasta ksatria atau brahmana, ini dibuktikan dengan bahasa yang mereka pakai saat bicara dengan orang dari kedua kasta tersebut maka orang dari kasta sudra atau wesya akan memakai bahasa bali halus atau bahasa Bali yang lebih tinggi dari bahasa yang mereka pakai antara sesama kastanya.

Upacara Bali

2009-01-17T16:28:00.019+07:00

Ngaben
Upacara Ngaben

Upacara Ngaben atau sering pula disebut upacara pelebon kepada orang yang sudah meninggal dunia, dianggap sangat penting, ramai dan semarak, karena dengan upacara ngabenan itu keluarga dapat membebaskan arwah orang yang meninggal dari ikatan-ikatan duniawinya menuju surga, atau menjelma kembali ke dunia melalui reinkarnasi tergantung dari karmaphala selama masih hidup.. Karena upacara ini memerlukan tenaga, biaya yang besar juga waktu yang panjang , sehingga upacara ini sering dilakukan begitu lama setelah kematian.
Untuk menanggung beban biaya, tenaga dan lain-lainnya, kini masyarakat sering melakukan pengabenan secara massal / bersama. Jasad orang yang meninggal sering dikebumikan terlebih dahulu sebelum biaya mencukupi, namun bagi beberapa keluarga yang mampu upacara ngaben dapat dilakukan secepatnya dengan menyimpan jasad orang yang telah meninggal di rumah, sambil menunggu waktu yang baik menurut kalender Bali. Selama masa penyimpanan di rumah itu, roh orang yang meninggal menjadi tidak tenang dan selalu ingin kebebasan.

Ngaben

Hari baik biasanya diberikan oleh para pendeta setelah melalui konsultasi dan mengacu pada kalender yang ada. Persiapan biasanya diambil jauh-jauh sebelum hari baik ditetapkan. Pada saat inilah keluarga mempersiapkan "bade dan lembu" terbuat dari bambu, kayu, kertas yang beraneka warna-warni sesuai dengan golongan atau kedudukan sosial ekonomi keluarga bersangkutan.

Pagi hari sebelum upacara ngaben dimulai, segenap keluarga dan handai taulan datang untuk melakukan penghormatan terakhir dan biasanya disajikan sekedar makan dan minum. Pada tengah hari, jasad dibersihkan dan dibawa ke luar rumah diletakkan di Bade atau lembu yang disiapkan oleh para warga Banjar, lalu diusung beramai-ramai, semarak, disertai suara gaduh gambelan dan "kidung" menuju ke tempat upacara. Bade (tempat menaruh jasad) diarak dan berputar-putar dengan maksud agar roh orang yang meningal itu menjadi bingung dan tidak dapat kembali ke keluarga yang bisa menyebabkan gangguan.

Sesampainya di tempat upacara, jasad ditaruh di punggung lembu, pendeta mengujar mantra - mantra secukupnya, kemudian menyalakan api perdana pada jasad. Setelah semuanya menjadi abu, upacara berikutnya dilakukan yakni membuang abu tersebut ke sungai atau laut terdekat lalu dibuang, dikembalikan ke air dan angin. Ini merupakan rangkaian upacara akhir atas badan kasar orang yang meninggal, kemudian keluarga dapat dengan tenang hati menghormati arwah tersebut di pura keluarga, setelah cukup lama, arwah tersebut diyakini akan kembali lagi ke dunia.

Status kelahiran kembali roh orang yang meninggal dunia berhubungan erat dengan karma dan perbuatan serta tingkah laku selama hidup sebelumnya.

Potong Gigi

Potong Gigi merupaan upacara Manusa Yadnya sebagai simbol penyucian dari segala mala atau kotoran, yang disimbolkan dengan pemotongan 6 gigi bagian atas sebagai makna mengendalikan enam musuh di dalam diri kita, sehingga bisa menjalani hidup yang lebih suci dan bersih. Dilakukan oleh orang tua terhadap anaknya. Umumnya dilakukan ketika sang anak menanjak dewasa, tidak jarang pula dilakukan setelah punya anak.

Odalan
Odalan

Odalan merupakan upacara yang diselenggarakan di pura sebagai ulang tahun berdirinya pura tersebut untuk memohon keselamatan dan kesejahteraan masyarakat semua dan alam semesta beserta isinya. Baik di tingkat keluarga, desa, maupun yang lebih luas.

Hari Raya

2009-01-17T15:56:00.022+07:00

Penjor

Hari Raya Galungan dan Kuningan
Hari raya Galungan dan Kuningan jatuh setiap enam bulan sekali, dan merupakan hari untuk merayakan Kemenangan Dharma (kebenaran) melawan Adharma (kejahatan), dan juga hari untuk mengucapkan puji syukur atas segala karunia-Nya. Hari raya ini jatuh pada hari Rabu Kliwon Dunggulan dan Sabtu Umanis Kuningan. Umat Hindu di Bali biasanya memasang penjor di sepanjang jalan yang melambangkan gunung atau naga.

Hari Raya Nyepi

Nyepi Merupakan tahun baru Icaka, yang biasanya jatuh pada bulan Maret setiap tahunnya. Pada hari raya ini umat Hindu tidak melakukan aktivitas apa-apa, tidak menyalakan api, tidak bekerja, tidak bepergian, khusus melakukan renungan suci dan evaluasi terhadap apa yang telah dilakukan, dan membenahi diri agar menjadi lebih baik lagi di masa depan. Pada hari itu Bali nampak bagaikan pulau mati tanpa aktivitas selama 24 jam.
Nyepi adalah perayaan tahun baru Saka yang jatuh sehari setelah bulan mati (tilem) ke sembilan menurut kalender Saka. Hakekatnya adalah sebagai wahana ritual dalam upaya menyucikan Bhuwana Agung dan Bhuana Alit guna terwujudnya kesejahteraan dan kebahagiaan lahir batin (jagadhita dan moksha) yang berlandaskan pada satyam (kebenaran), siwam (kesucian) dan keharmonisan/keindahan).

Secara garis besar, rangkaian hari Nyepi meliputi : melasti (melis) yang dilaksanakan beberapa hari sebelum Tawur dengan maksud melebur segala macam kekotoran baik pikiran, perkataan maupun perbuatan serta memperoleh air suci (angement tirta amerta) untuk kerahayuan hidup. Dalam prakteknya, Melasti ini dilakukan pada sumber-sumber air seperti laut, danau atau sungai. Selanjutnya sehari sebelum Nyepi yaitu pada Tilem Kesanga diselenggarakan upacara Tawur di masing-masing palemahan mulai dari rumah tangga, banjar, desa, kecamatan sampai kabupaten dan propinsi. Tujuannya menyucikan dan mengembalikan keseimbangan Bhuwana Agung dan Bhuwana Alit baik skala maupun niskala.

Ogoh-ogoh

Upacara ini dilakukan pada saat sandikala (pagi, tengah hari, sore). Pada sore hari menjelang pergantian kala siang dengan malam itulah diadakan pengrupukan (mebuu-buu) yang ditandai dengan kegiatan mengitari tiap palemahan sebanyak tiga kali dengan membawa obor (api) sambil menyuarakan bunyi-bunyian gaduh. Maknanya sebagai simbolis pengembalian unsur-unsur alam yang berpengaruh negatif (bhutakala) untuk kembali pada tempat dan kondisi asal (harmonis).Agama hindu sangat mendorong kreatifitas budaya, itulah sebabnya umat Hindu (dimulai dari Bali) mencetuskan emosi keagamaannya dalam pengrupukan dengan mewujudkan gambaran abstrak bhutakala itu dalam bentuk ogoh-ogoh. Jadi, ogoh-ogoh itu bukan esensi Nyepi tetapi hanya semacam variasi budaya yang dilahirkan melalui jiwa agama Hindu. Dan lagi pula keberadaan ogoh-ogoh pada setiap pengrupukan tidaklah begitu lama muncul. Ogoh-ogoh hadir sekitar tahun 80-an awal yang karena menopang kesemarakan berhari Nyepi akhirnya terus dihadirkan. Hanya saja akhir -akhir ini, bentuk ogoh-ogoh, sudah mulai ada yang menyimpang dari konsep gambaran bhutakala. Misalnya dengan membuat ogoh-ogoh dalam berbagai macam wujud berupa mobil, sepeda motor dan lain lain.

Hari Raya Saraswati

Merupakan hari suci untuk merayakan turunnya ilmu pengetahuan sebagai sinar suci yang memberikan penerangan kebijaksanaan hidup. Jatuh pada hari Sabtu Umanis Watugunung. Banyak dirayakan di sekolah-sekolah, dan pusat-pusat pendidikan, tentu saja di tempat para pinandita.

Agama Hindu

2009-01-15T20:49:00.013+07:00

Sembahyangan
Hindu Dharma / Agama Hindu adalah Agama yang dianut oleh sekitar 95% dari jumlah penduduk Bali, sedangkan 5% sisanya adalah penganut agama Islam, Kristen, Katholik, Budha dan Kong Hu Cu. Tujuan hidup ajaran Hindu adalah Untuk mencapai keseimbangan dan kedamaian hidup lahir dan bathin.
Dalam usaha mencapai tujuan itu, masyarakat Hindu mewujudkannya melalui (1). Tatwa / Filosofi, (2). Susila / etika, norma, (3). Upacara / yadnya, yang kemudian dijabarkan ke dalam beberapa ajaran keyakinan.

1. Tattwa (Philosophy) dibagi menjadi 5 kepercayaan utama yang disebut Panca Crada atau lima kepercayaan yang mendasar :
a) Brahman
Percaya kepada adanya Tuhan Yang Maha Esa (satu Tuhan).
b) Atman
Percaya kepada keberadaan roh.
c) Samsara
Percaya dengan adanya penjelmaan kembali / reinkarnasi.
d) Karma phala
Percaya kepada hukum sebab-akibat (seseorang akan memperoleh kembali dari apa yang diperbuatnya).
e) Moksha : Percaya kepada kemungkinan menyatunya atman dengan Tuhan.

2. Susila ( Etika ). Ajaran ini menekankan kepada Tiga cara berprilaku yang baik, yang disebut dengan Tri Kaya Parisudha, yaitu :Manacika (berfikir yang baik dan positif), Wacika (berkata-kata yang baik dan jujur), Kayika(berbuat yang baik ) Di samping itu, ajaran Hindu juga mengharapkan penerapan "Tat Wam Asi" dalam hidup sehari-hari "Engkau adalah aku juga" Dengan kata lain "Kita harus merasakan apa yang dirasakan orang lain"

3. Upacara (Yadnya). Upacara ini ditujukan kepada lima aspek :
a) Dewa Yadnya
Upacara suci / yadnya untuk Tuhan Yang Maha Esa, Dewa / Bathara
b) Pitra Yadnya
Upacara suci / yadnya yang ditujukan kepada roh-roh leluhur (Yadnya setelah kematian).
c) Rsi Yadnya
Upacara suci / yadnya bagi para Pendeta, Rsi, dll.
d) Manusa Yadnya
Upacara suci /yadnya bagi umat manusia dari sejak lahir (bayi dalam kandungan) hingga perkawinan.
e) Bhuta Yadnya
Upacara suci / korban suci untuk menetralisir pengaruh-pengaruh alam yang negatif termasuk dunia supranatural.

Di masyarakat Bali "Pendeta" itu umumnya dipilih dari golongan/kasta Brahmana yang mampu untuk memimpin upacara besar, sedangkan Pemangku/Mangku Pura, bertugas untuk menjaga dan memelihara Pura dan dapat memimpin upacara termasuk Panca Yadnya.

Kitab suci agama Hindu adalah Weda yang berasal dari India, namun yang sampai di Bali adalah Catur Weda dan Weda Qirah yang hingga saat ini masih dipakai Pemangku atau Pendeta untuk memimpin upacara termasuk di dalam menjalankan kewajibannya. Di samping Weda, dalam ajaran Hindu juga dikenal kitab-kitab Purana, yang membicarakan tentang peranan Moralitas, ada juga dalam bentuk Maha Carita sepeti Mahabaratha dan Ramayana, dalam bentuk cerita Topeng, drama, opera, ballet dan sebaginya sebagai pengungkapan ajaran agama Hindu. Kepercayaan masyarakat Hindu Bali adalah kekuatan hidup yang meliputi kekuatan alam Pulau Bali yang sudah menggaung ke segala penjuru dunia.

Bali dengan penduduknya setiap hari menyanyikan lagu kasih sayang yang diperlihatkan dengan beraneka ragam rajutan dan anyaman sesajen terbuat dari daun kelapa muda, berlambang bunga semerbak wangi yang dilakukan hampir di setiap hari. Dengan pengorbanannya selalu memikirkan alam sekitar, menghaturkan sesuatu yang diperoleh kepada Tuhan, dengan harumnya aroma dupa di tangan, membaca mantra suci dengan gerakan tangan penuh makna, memercikkan air suci memohon keselamatan. Dengan prosesinya yang panjang atau dengan sederhana penuh kerendahan hati, gemar bekerja, memberkati anak-anak, memberikan senyum dan lambaian tangan persahabatan selalu dilakukan.

Di masayarakat Bali terasa adanya hubungan pencerahan, mereka merasakan dirinya dianugrahi perasaan yang tinggi, kekuatan dan keseiahteraan berkelanjutan dan di dalam hidupnya sehari-hari melalui keanekaragaman upacara agamanya.

Agama Hindu adalah agama yang monotheistik, percaya kepada Tuhan Yang Maha Esa (Ida Sang Hyang Widi Wasa), Sang Hyang Tunggal, Sang Hyang Cintya. Oleh orang-orang hal ini sering disalah mengerti bahwa Hindu percaya kepada banyak Tuhan. Dewa / Bathara hanyalah manifestasi / sinar sucinya Tuhan. Kata Dewa berasal dari Bahasa Sansekerta "Div" yang berarti Sinar suci, Sedang kan Bathara berasal dari "Bhatr" berarti Pelindung. Dewa ataupun Bathara yang sering dimunculkan di Bali adalah Tri Murti / Trinity yaitu :

1. Brahma

Manifestasi Tuhan sebagai pencipta alam semesta dengan segala isinya,dengan diberi lambang Api.

2. Wisnu

Manifestasi Tuhan sebagai Pelindung/Pemelihara ciptaannya,yang dibori lambang dengan Air.
3. Ciwa

ManifestasiTuhan sebagai Pemralina/Pelebur segala sesuatu setelah situasi, kondisi dan waktunya tiba.

Di masayarakat Bali merasa adanya hubungan pencerahan, mereka merasakan dirinya dianugrahi perasaan yang tinggi, kekuatan dan kesejahteraan berkelanjutan dan di dalam hidupnya sehari-hari melalui keanekaragaman upacara agamanya. Orang Bali menganggap hidup ini adalah seni, menuju ketenangan dan kesunyian.

Tari Legong Keraton

2009-01-14T21:02:00.018+07:00

Legong Keraton
Legong Keraton adalah sebuah tarian klasik Bali yang memiliki pembendaharaan gerak yang sangat komplek dan diikat oleh struktur tabuh pengiring yang konon mendapat pengaruh dari Tari Gambuh. Kata Legong Keraton terdiri dari dua kata yaitu legong dan kraton. Kata legong diduga berasal dari kata “leg” yang berarti gerak tari yang luwes. Lemah gemulai. Sementara “gong” berarti gambelan. “leg” dan “gong” digabung menjadi legong yang mengandung arti gerakan yang diikat, terutama aksentuasinya oleh gamelan yang mengiringinya.

Jadi Legong Keraton berarti sebuah tarian istana yang diiringi oleh gamelan. Sebutan legong kraton merupakan perkembangan berikutnya. Ada praduga bahwa Legong Kraton berasal dari pengembangan Tari Sang Hyang.
Pada mulanya legong berasal dari Tari Sang Hyang yang merupakan tari improvisasi dan kemudian gerak-gerak improvisasi itu ditata, dikomposisikan menurut pola atau struktur dari pegambuhan (gamelan). Gerakan-gerakan tari yang membangun Tari Kraton ini disesuaikan dengan gamelan sehingga tari ini menjadi tarian yang indah, dinamis dan abstrak. Gamelan yang dipakai mengiringi tari ini dalam seni pertunjukan kemasan baru adalah gamelan gong kebyar.

Tari Cak Api (Fire Dance)

2009-01-14T20:44:00.020+07:00

Kecak Api
Tari Cak Api (Fire Dance) adalah pertunjukkan Tari Cak Ramayana yang pada bagian akhir pertunjukannya ditambahkan dengan pertunjukkan Tari Sang Hyang Jaran. Tari ini adalah sendratari kolosal yang dikenal sebagai monkey dance yang melibatkan 50 sampai dengan 150 orang penari yang sebagian besarnya terdiri dari pemain laki-laki dengan memakai busana babuletan (kain yang dipakai secara harmonis diselinggi oleh beberapa aksen dan upacara-upacara lainnya).

Penerangan yang dipakai dalam pertunjukkan ini adalah lampu yang bentuknya ditata seperti candi dan diletakkan di tengah-tengah stage sementara seluruh pemain cak duduk melingkar di luarnya. Daya tarik pertunjukkan ini terletak pada jalinan musik vokalnya yang ritmis dan berlapis-lapis. Tari Cak membawakan lakon “Kepandung Dewi Sita” (penculikan Dewi Sita) dari wiracarita Ramayana. Setelah drama penculikan Dewi Sita berakhir, pertunjukkan ini dilanjutkan dengan menampilkan adengan Tari Sang Hyang Jaran.
Bagian pertunjukkan ini menampilkan seorang laki-laki penari yang menungganggi boneka kuda dan menari di atas bara api. Bagian pertunjukkan yang memancarkan suasana magis ini diiringi nyanyian koor yang dilakukan oleh pemain cak. Tari Sang Hyang Jaran dahulu hanya dipentaskan pada musim-musim tertentu, yaitu apabila terjadi wabah penyakit atau ada suatu kejadian-kejadian yang dianggap aneh dan meresahkan masyarakat.

Tari Kecak

2009-01-14T20:38:00.017+07:00

Kecak
Nama Kecak adalah adalah sebuah nama yang secara langsung diambil setelah suara "cak, cak" yang di ucapkan secara terus menerus sepanjang pertunjukan. Ada beberapa yang menerangkan bahwa kata atau suara “cak” sebenarnya mempunyai arti yang sangat penting dalam jalannya pertunjukan.

Asal muasal tari kecak :Tak diketahui secara pasti darimana tarian kecak berasal dan dimana pertama kali berkembang, namun ada suatu macam kesepakatan pada masyarakat Bali kecak pertama kali berkembang menjadi seni pertujukan di Bona-Gianyar.
Kecak pada awalnya merupakan suatu tembang atau musik yang dihasil dari perpaduan suara yang membentuk melodi yang biasanya dipakai untuk mengiringi tarian Sahyang yang disakralkan. Dan hanya dapat dipentaskan di dalam pura. Kemudaian pada awal tahun 1930an astist dari desa Bona, Gianyar mencoba untuk mengembangkan tarian kecak dengan mengambil bagian cerita Ramayana yang didramatarikan sebagai pengganti Tari Sanghyang sehingga tari ini akhirnya bisa dipertontontan di depan umum sebagai seni pertunjukan. Bagian cerita Ramayana yang diambil pertama adalah dimana saat Dewi Sita diculik oleh Raja Rahwana.
Tari kecak di Bali mengalami terus mengalami perubahan dan perkembangan sejak tahun 1970-an. Perkembangan yang bisa dilihat adalah dari segi cerita dan pementasan. Dari segi cerita untuk pementasan tidak hanya berpatokan pada satu bagian dari Ramayana tapi juga bagian bagian cerita yang lain dari Ramayana.

Tari Baris

2009-01-14T19:57:00.021+07:00

Kecak Api

Sebagai tarian yang sesuai dengan namanya yaitu, "Baris" yang berasal dari kata berbaris yang dapat diartikan pasukan maka tarian ini menggambarkan ketangkasan pasukan prajurit. Tari ini merupakan tarian kelompok yang dibawakan oleh pria, umumnya ditarikan oleh 8 sampai lebih dari 40 penari dengan gerakan yang lincah cukup kokoh, lugas dan dinamis, dengan diiringi Gong Kebyar dan Gong Gede. Setiap jenis, kelompok penarinya membawa senjata, perlengkapan upacara dan kostum dengan warna yang berbeda, yang kemudian dinamakan Tari Baris.