Bali Local Custom Tips by RoyJava

We Believe ...

Garuda is an originally, mythological bird. In the Indian myth RigVeda he is the nobly-winged Garutman who is able to kill. Maybe because he is depicted as part human this creature became the vehicle of Gods. In Japan this giant eagle-bird is Karura, and Garuda also carries the Buddha Amogashiddhi. Especially on Bali Garuda is traveling with Lord Wishnu between Heaven and Earth. See this beautiful monument in the GWK (see link), absolutely magnificent.

I know the Javanese believe that the Garuda is the vehicle of Ratu Kidul, the Goddess of the Southern Ocean... and the Balinese believe the Javanese Goddess has entered Bali. What will happen in future ... ???

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Beautiful Woodcarving

Balinese woodcarving is world-famous, no longer done simply for symbolic purposes in temples and palaces for decoration. Influences from outside inspired new subjects and styles and the Balinese produce highly stylished, wonderful figures. This one took my breath away ... it is Wishnu and his eagle-symbol. And loved that "Sembah-gesture",... see link

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Lady Welcome

Not seen before you could suddenly see a next time on Bali a new "trend". Like this "Lady Welcome". Almost kitsch this wooden image welcomes its visitors at the entrance of temples, homes, rooms, sacred places, shops, even along the roads Lady Welcome waves at you, I like her!

COFFEE PLANT

Kopi Bali is well-known which you can buy anywhere on Bali but NOT in Holland. And because it is not an expensive product easy to bring along. Besides you can find the coffee plant (see pic) along the roads in hill-area where the locals would be grateful to offer you a cup of Kopi Bali ... and deliciously prepared coffee to bring home!

I LOVE KOPI BALI!!!

Typical Bali Make-Up

Asking around why this and why that the Balinese girls love to tell you about their make-up doings. Some typical make-up for dance performing comprises accentuated eye make-up with a layer of blue on the lids and red and gold just under the brows. They can do it in a flash, however hours can be spent, too, on transforming into a dazzling Princess ...

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Movement Of Colors & Images

Yes, this is a photograph not that clear and sharp. I made it by accident, and wanna express to show how the Balinese is encouraged to perform. The Balinese perform in surrealist colors, movements, images. The word for dancer is pragina which means "someone who beautified". He is teach in the ancient classical form, though will welcome new, innovative forms.

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FULL MOON

Anxious for a truly Balinese ritual or spiritual event? Just watch into the dark Balinese sky and wait for Full Moon. You may feel assured somewhere near your abode there will be held a Full Moon ceremony. You won't be disappointed to may join this Balinese spiritual experience ...

TUBAN Beach

South of Kuta you'll find Tuban, just a walk via Jl. Kartika Plaza away. Tuban was known for its budget places to stay, but for now there are some star-qualified hotels, too. Tubans beach is quiet, and the locals gather with sunset. They love soccer and welcome you to participate ...

Umbul - Umbul Festival

Most peculiar decorations you see for rituals at Bali, includes "umbul-umbul" flags. To the Balinese this is a sign of the Gods and their presence during events and occasions. Hindu deities got interweaved into the "Gods", representing "consciousness at highest level". People are guided by them and are able to invoke their presence. During ritual processions see the sugarcanes, carried at the very front, a well-known symbolic for absolute certainty. You'll notice the umbul-umbul, raised high towards the sky, often decorated with the drawing of a NAGA, the mythical snake-dragon and carriage of Avalokiteshvara.

In August 2004, Arti Foundation, Bali (together with the Rainbow Project, Switzerland), produced the Umbul Umbul Festival, and created more space for the creation and exhibition of umbul-umbul, included performances, discussions and processions. See here some welcoming umbul-umbul flags at the Pasar Malam Besar, The Hague, always very go-ahead.

Umbul Umbul Festival -
Uniting The Colors Of The World

Pasar Malam Besar- The Hague

Phone: +62 361 236619

Website: http://%bhttp://www.aiaa.org.au/news/news18/umbulumbul.html

Balinese Animism

It's familiar the Balinese people do believe that spirits are everywhere (animism is base of their religion), and some spirits disguise themselves as whicked animals, birds, naked women or dogs with fire in its eyes. Honouring the good as well the bad spirits the Balinese constantly is taken up with offering gifts to please the good ones and, to appease angry deities.

So you'll find small offerings all over Bali and in the courtyards of every house, every day. Different names are known like "ngedjot", "canang", "caru", "banten". In these cute offerings in little baskets you can see flowers, banana leaves, grains of rice, salt, a pinch of chili pepper/lombok. No one eats before these are placed in front of each house every morning ...

(though the many dogs follow and eat the offering as soon as it touches the ground, the essence has already been consumed by the spirits ...)