Photo of the Day: Gunung Kawi

by Barrie | December 26th, 2010   Tweet

A breathtaking and awe-inspiring site located two kilometres south of Tampaksaring, Gunung Kawi is two rows of ancient royal tombs on the banks of the Pakerisan River deep in a ravine overlooked by terraced rice-fields. A long, steep stone stairway leads down to this ancient site.
The holy Pakersian River flows through the centre of Gunung Kawi cutting the site into two separate sections with a bridge to connect one side to the other. It is believed the holy waters of the Pakerisan sanctify Gunung Kawi, and the eerie beauty of the place is evokes a peaceful atmosphere. There is parity with the tomb of Artaxerxes II at Persipolis and the Ellora Caves in India with Gunung Kawi.

Seven Stunning Places in Bali

by Barrie | December 22nd, 2010   Tweet

There are so many places and objects to see in Bali that it would take quite a few years to see them all and, pretty much over the decades I have seen and explored Bali to the max. On my travels there are those places that I have re-visited and been disappointed mainly because of the ‘overkill’, due to the mass tourism that exists now on the island, where tourists and travellers alike are being charged ridiculous prices for entry fees and then getting hassled non-stop by persistent hawkers.
Then there are those beautiful, quiet places that were gems to find and these were generally off the so-called tourist track and now, as I am led to believe, are also being included on tour itineraries. So, I decided to put together a few gems that maybe some of you have already seen, but if you haven’t, then it will give you something to look forward to on your next sojourn.
Vihara Amurya Bhumi: On the outskirts of Blahbatuh in Central Bali there is a beautiful, secluded Chinese temple. I can guarantee that you have crossed the steel-girder bridge as you enter town plenty of times, but, if you had have stopped on the left-hand side after you crossed the bridge then you would have noticed a stone stairway leading down to the river below. Here you will find Vihara Amurya Bhumi. This is a stunning and large temple literally sitting at the base of a cliff and on the cliff walls, unique carved Bhuddas. Entrance is free but a donation would be appropriate.

Danau Tamblingan and Danau Buyan: A half hour drive north of Pura Ulu Danau Bratan on the road to Singaraja, there is a sharp turn-off to the left. You can’t miss it because there are heaps of monkeys on the road where people stop to feed them. Take the turning to the left and follow the road for about five miles and you will see on your left-hand side the twin lakes of Danau Tamblingan and Danau Buyan. There are plenty of places to stop and take photos here and the scenery is spellbinding.

Sanur Mangroves: Most of you will have driven along the Jalan Ngurah Rai bypass on your way to Sanur and you would have passed all the mangroves on your right-hand side. These mangroves are vital to the ecosystem of the area and you can actually walk along wooden walkways through the entire mangrove swamps to the ocean. There are two walkways and so, enter in one and walk back out the other. The people at the research centre located at the entrance are a boon of information.

Pura Luhur Batukau: What I would consider to be one of the most peaceful and beautiful temples on the island, Pura Luhur Batukau is located at the base of Gunung Batukau. It is the quietness of the area that I find appealing and the cool air is refreshing. Walking around this temple at the base of the mountain is surreal as is the reflective gardens.

Brama Vihara Arama: Without a doubt the most stunning Chinese place of worship on the island of Bali is the monastery of Brama Vihara Arama. Located not far from Singaraja just east past Banjar you will find the Buddhist monastery. The Brahma Arama Vihara is a spectacular place and is the most important Buddhist monastery in Bali. Complete with golden Buddha statues and a pristine natural setting, the most stunning part of this monastery is the miniature replica of Borobudur on the top level.

Amed & Surrounds: The east coast of Bali is in my opinion the most panoramic part of the island. Amed and surrounding areas are great places to stay and wile the days away far from the madding crowds of the Kuta tourist strip. Losmens and good hotels are clean and affordable, the diving and snorkelling is excellent and the locals, probably the friendliest that I have encountered.

Bunut Bolong: In the central-west of Bali you will find one of the most surprising and eloquent surprises, Bunut Bolong. The road actually goes through a tree. Of course there is a hole carved in it and it is a sacred place to the Balinese. Head west to Negara on the coast road and turn off at the town of Pekutatan. The long winding road up into the cool hills will see you passing by coffee and clove plantations and just as you turn the next bend, voila, there it is.

Purchasing Textiles in Bali

by Barrie | December 20th, 2010   Tweet

Everyone who visits Bali inevitably leaves with one kind of souvenir; it could be a T-shirt or some strange looking phallic symbol. However, for that special souvenir, and one that is everlasting, look at the options of purchasing a piece of textile. I don’t mean your wrap-around sarong but a hand-woven or loom created piece.
Don’t restrict your choice of textile to just Bali. Seek out those pieces made in Java, Lombok or Sumbawa. In fact, on the island you will be able to find quite a few of these pieces. Indonesians are renowned the world over for their textiles. Balinese traditional textiles are much more than simply decorative pieces of cloth. In Bali, the Balinese produce textiles for a variety of markets and, one of them the tourist trade.
Various forms of cloth are produced on the island of Bali and each one beautiful in its own right. Batik is a textile is manufactured mainly in factories these days but there are some smaller places in the outer lying villages where the batik process is still as it has been for centuries.
The two main styles of Batik are batik tulis and batik cap. The art of Balinese textile decoration is best expressed in skirt, chest and head cloths. There are three main categories of Balinese textile and these are Prada, Songket and Ikat.
The main batik manufacturing town on Bali is at Gianyar where many factories can be found and visited. Be warned though, the price you pay at the factory is inflated and you would be better of checking the street prices in markets such as Sukawati first. Be warned though that purchasing traditional cloth in the markets along the tourist strip will not give you the quality you will find in the places of origin. There are other traditional weavers in other places across Bali that weave stunning pieces of cloth and it is to these places you should visit.
Grinsing is one of the rarest weaving techniques practiced and you will find this textile in the traditional village of Tenganan, East Bali. Gringsing is also known as the ‘flame cloth’ and in this elaborate dyeing process both the warp and weft threads are carefully bound before dyeing. This creates numerous patterns that once finished seemingly fit together perfectly and harmoniously.
Tenganan is the only place in the world where the double-ikat process is practised. There are not many women left in Tenganan who know this practice of weaving but it is being handed down to the next generation. To weave a piece of gringsing could take up to three days but the finished product is superb. When you visit the village you are welcome to have a look at this weaving process and of course for a fee!.
Endek is a tie-dyed woven textile popular with most Balinese. Wooden hand-operated looms are used in the process of the weft-ikat method. This is where sections of the cloth are tied and then wrapped before immersing them into tubs of dye. The basic designs are irregular and soft wavy patterns. Also created are diamond designs and a zigzagging pattern. Endek is a versatile cloth for the Balinese because it can be worn for both daily use and ceremonial purposes.
Songket is a brocaded silk that has interweaving patterns of silver and gold thread and is classified as the ceremonial dress of all Balinese. Worn mainly on religious occasions, it is also worn to weddings, tooth filings and other important ritual events. The cloth is tapestry in appearance and has various motifs including wayang figures, birds, butterflies, flowers and leaves. The process of weaving is done on back-strap looms. Because of its thread and quality it is generally accepted that it is a wealthy man’s cloth.
Interestingly, the kain songket is bought in two pieces and then sewn together. The men wear the songket saput. This is a narrow piece of cloth worn over a sarung. Together with a songket udeng or head band this is for more formal and ceremonial occasions.
Decorated with silver or gold thread, kain prada is a lustrous fabric woven of cotton or silk. A ceremonial cloth, it is generally two meters in length and can take up as long as three months to weave from start to finish. Various patterns include lotus blossoms with swastikas as border decorations. These are however the most common motifs.

Bali Travel Warning for Dengue Fever

by Barrie | December 18th, 2010   Tweet

The climate in Bali is one that is a natural breeding ground for germs. Add to that some of the local methods of washing and cooking and so its no wonder tourists get ill occasionally, and now, the Health Department in Australia has put out an alert regarding Dengue Fever and the growing number of people suffering the malady is increasing. In fact, there had been over 430 reports of dengue fever in West Australians this year and that is a threefold increase on last year.
Dengue Fever is transmitted by a virus carried by mosquitoes. Today I read about this potentially deadly disease and the symptoms can develop within three to 14 days of being bitten and include fever, vomiting, severe headaches, aching joints and muscles, rashes and pain behind the eyes.
There is no medication to stop or treat dengue fever. This mosquito tends to attack during the day and is slightly larger than the malaria carrying variety. In an article I read the Health Department suggested people take the following precautions to avoid being bitten by dengue fever infected mosquitoes:
Ensure accommodation is mosquito-proof. Use mosquito nets, insect sprays, mosquito coils or plug-in
insecticide mats in rooms
Wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured protective clothing
Use tropical strength personal insect repellents
Ensure infants and children are adequately protected, including using infant-strength repellents
Most 5 star hotels smoke out their gardens every couple of days to keep mosquitoes away. One good piece of advice is to ensure you have travel insurance so if you do contract this disease, you ill be covered for treatment at one of the excellent facilities in Bali.

Hotel Boom in Denpasar

by Barrie | December 15th, 2010   Tweet

It appears there is a sudden rise in hotels in Bali’s capital of Denpasar. Although for most tourists the idea of being dragged away from the vicinity of the beach and shops during their stay in Bali, they really are missing out. Of course there are those people who take the ‘cultural tour’ of Denpasar and get back to Kuta ASAP. But, this is great news for tourism in Bali.
The capital of Bali can now, hopefully, attract more tourists than it usually does. Denpasar is a bustling and energetic city that possesses a lot of attractions for tourists and travellers. A great majority of tourists dislike the city preferring the madness and mayhem of Kuta but I reckon it is a fabulous city to explore and has some excellent eateries.
In an article I read the new phenomenon of “city hotels” cropping up across the island’s capital of Denpasar is amazing. According to the article: By their estimation, there are now around 8,000 hotel rooms in Denpasar, prompting the Denpasar, Bali chapter of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) to undertake synergistic promotion programs with the municipal government.

Places to Visit in Bali: Tenganan

by Barrie | December 16th, 2010   Tweet

Tenganan is the most famous Bali Aga (original Balinese) village and is located close to Candi Dasa in East Bali. Villagers maintain a strict cosmology and social organization. Villagers must live inside the village and marry from within. There are parts of Tenganan, outside of the village proper, where villagers who have married outside of the village can live and complete outsiders have yet another part.
Tenganan produces fine basketware and a double weave ikat, called geringsing, the only such place to be found in South-east Asia and one of only 3 in the world. Visitors to Tenganan can wander around the long rectangular village, which is laid out in tiers, wide stone steps in between. Tenganan is closed to outsiders after dark. The pura puseh (temple of origin), which is in honour of the village founders, lies outside the village walls to the north. At the other end of the village, just inside the entrance is the bale agung, the long rectangular bale where the village council meets.

Legend has it that in the 14th Century, King Bedauli, the ruler of Bali, lost his favourite horse and offered a reward to anyone who could find it. The horse was eventually found dead near Tenganan and local people asked to be given the land as a reward. The king sent his representative to decide the boundary of the land to be given, and told him to include all the land where he could smell the dead horse. The local village chief accompanied him couldn’t figure out how he could smell the horse wherever he went, eventually drawing wide boundaries. Apparently the village chief had a chunk of horse meat inside his clothes. The descendents of the chief now work as money changers in Kuta.
The thing Tenganan does have is unique cultural history and a special weaving tradition. There are only 600 families in Tenganan, and locals are forbidden to marry outside of the village. If they do, they are banished from the village forever. A Tenganan local once told me that there are really 3 parts to the village, the western part, which is the proper part, the north eastern part which is where exiled locals go, and the south eastern part, where outsiders, Javanese and other Balinese live.

Tenganan is one of only 3 places in the world, the others being India and Japan, where a double ikat is woven. In a double ikat (cloth), the weft (longitudinal) and weave (lateral) threads are tied separately before being dyed, creating an intricate pattern. A single ikat takes 5 years to make and is used in religious ceremonies.
There is a 3 day festival held once a year in the village called UDABA SAMBAH and held mid-year usually in the months of Juni/Juli. When you visit Tenganan try and get there early in the morning to avoid the tourist buses as it does get quite like a circus. Best times are before 10am and after 4pm. The village is closed to outsiders and visitors after dark. Be aware also that you will have to pay a small parking fee outside.

Rail System for Bali?

by Barrie | December 17th, 2010   Tweet

In the last few weeks there has been some banter about a Bali rail project. Considering you can drive to most places from Kuta in a matter of a few hours, the whole concept of constructing a railway line, supposedly circumnavigating the tiny island seems futile to me. There were a few factors that summoned up this brainwave and the two prevalent were traffic problems and pollution.
Although I am a great lover of train travel, having travelled by rail extensively on the other islands in the archipelago, this whole concept to me I look at from a conservationist point of view.
We already all know that has some of the most stunning landscapes and panoramas in Indonesia but, at what cost will the construction of the new railway be. The ecosystems and the environment will be the victims in all this as they are ripped up to accommodate the railways lines and accompanying infrastructure.
According to the article I read regarding this: The chief of rail transportation at the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation, Tunjung Indrawan, told NusaBali that the Japanese government is actively pursuing a role in the Bali rail project via continuing discussions between Indonesia and Japan.
Tunjung confirmed that any eventual rail system for Bali must include private sector participation, saying, “studying from the Japanese transportation system, the participation of the private sector is essential together with support from the central and provincial governments.”
Delightful as an attraction for tourists as it would be, I personally feel that the environment is far more important.
What do you think?

5 Million Foreign Tourists in Bali by 2015?

by Barrie | December 2nd, 2010   Tweet

I can recall back in the late 80’s and 90’s when the amount of tourists inundating Bali became too overwhelming. It seems to be happening now with cheap flights to Bali from Australia and other regions in South-east Asia and for Australian tourists, the exchange rates for the Oz dollar has made an even better reason to visit Bali.
In the last two decades of the last century there was a growing concern as to the point whether or not the tiny island could sustain such a dramatic impact on the environment. Although, up until now, it appears to maintain a manner of status quo there is one big factor causing concern now; water. Can the water table sustain such an influx of tourists? Without building desalination plants somewhere on the island the answer is ‘No’.
And now, according to the article I read in the Bali Discovery, the Governor of Bali wants to double foreign tourist arrivals in four years. This would be great for the Balinese but what concerns me is the amount of land being chewed-up to build hotels and resorts, the drain on water resources and other environmental impacts.
As the article states: Bali’s visionary governor I Made Mangku Pastika remains confident that foreign tourist arrivals will continue to grow, reaching 5 million visitors by 2015. If achieved, this would be a more than 100% increase from the 2.3-2.4 million foreign visitors projected for all of 2010.
Will this prove disastrous for the idyllic island or will Bali become another statistic in global tourist destruction. Let me know what you think.

9 Great Reasons to Visit Bali Now

by Barrie | December 10th, 2010   Tweet

Bali has been rockin’ n’ rollin’ big time of late with visitor numbers to the island increasing beyond all expectations. Now is a great time to visit with so much on offer for the traveller. The weather is perfect with sunny days and cool breezes off the ocean.
Not only that, Bali and its beautiful people are glowing. Everywhere you go in the countryside the jungles are lush-green and the padi fields aglow with colour. There is so much to see and do that at times one is spoilt for choice and fitting it all in for the period you are on the island. Right now is the right time to visit Bali. Airlines are offering fabulous deals and it is their competitiveness that is a winner for all of us.
Cheaper than Ever to Visit: With the US Dollar in decline it has made most major currency rates rise to great value; especially for Australian travellers. More Rupiah for your hard-earned means more to spend! One thing to note, when changing money at a money-changers only use those that are authorised. The others offer a high rate of exchange and that’s a sure sign you will pay a hefty commission. So, get out there and spend, and…enjoy!
Good Shopping: In Bali this and can be overwhelming, especially for first-timers. It seems that everywhere you go all the vendors have virtually the same products for sale but, at different prices. Besides local markets there are several shopping centres and handicraft outlets for you to visit and enjoy. Always make sure you bargain ther price. Unfortunately this is not allowed in the major shopping centres as the prices are harga pas or fixed price.
Good Range of Accommodation: There are hotels all over Bali in one form or another, but the greatest concentrations are in the main tourist cities in the south of the island. When searching for a hotel in Bali it’s first very important to make sure that’s what you are, in fact, looking for. The great thing about Bali is that no matter what your budget there is a place for you. Of course those with the money have on offer a great selection of luxurious hotels and resorts spread around the island.
Amazing Culture: The numerous facets of Balinese culture are truly amazing. Religion plays a dominant role in the lives of the Balinese and is an integral part and includes every aspect from birth to death, life-cycle and daily rituals. Balinese Hinduism is animistic at core. It lacks the traditional Hindu emphasis on cycles of rebirth and reincarnation, but instead is concerned with a myriad of local and ancestral spirits. Visitors to Bali will be immediately aware of the strength of the local culture and its Hindu based religion.
Jumping Off Point Base: Bali is ideally located within the archipelago of Indonesia to afford tourists the opportunity to visit other regions such as East Nusa Tenggara, Kalimantan and Java. In fact, there are virtually flights going to most of the islands from the domestic terminal making it possible to add a few days experiencing another culture. There are so many other islands that you will find interesting and, they are all reached easily by local air carriers such as Garuda Indonesia, Mandala Air, Lion Air and many more. So, if you are in Bali and want to experience a different culture or just want a couple of days in another part of Bali, do so because you won’t regret it.
Travel is Easy: Around town there are many taxi companies and the best being Blue Bird, which has light blue cars. They can also take you around up country for a price but you can find better. Perama Tours are one of the best and affordable companies to get anywhere you want on the island. Or, if you like, rent a car or a motorbike. Everywhere you walk along the tourist areas you will be offered a Bemo for rent. This is one good way of getting around but bargain the price.
Best Food: Travellers to Bali are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to food. There are a multitude of international restaurants serving all manner of scrumptious food. In reality, tourists never have to veer too far away from relatively safe eating, that is, unless they wish to immerse their palate in the savoury foods that Indonesia has to offer. In this case you will find a superb array of foods from around the archipelago in various places. My favourite place is Jimbaran Bay for a seafood feast. Definitely must be on your list of things to do.
Adventure Tourism: There is a virtual plethora of adventurous things to do in Bali besides the great surfing. On offer are kayaking, canyoning, deep-sea fishing, water rafting and paragliding. There are several reputable companies that organise these activities. If these are a tad too adventurous for you then take a leisurely cycle ride in the countryside or a camel ride along the pristine beaches. Climbing a volcano is another popular activity but it is highly advisable that you obtain the use of a local guide for this venture.
Diving Paradise: Among the reasons why Bali has a few dozen scuba diving companies is that they are set up for all skill levels, from the absolute beginner to the lifelong expert looking to combine some diving with an unforgettable trip to an island paradise. The crystal clear waters off the coast afford some spectacular view of coral and a range of colourful fish that will astound you. Also on Bali you will a few great

A Few Balinese Ceremonies

by Barrie | December 12th, 2010   Tweet

Bali is renowned as being the island of the Gods. There are countless ceremonies at whatever time you visit the island throughout the year and you will have many opportunities to see religious ceremonies; at temples, in house compounds and even on the streets. Being in Bali lets you experience the endless series of offerings, purification, processions and dozens of other religious rites that Balinese devote their lives to.
Balinese culture revolves around Agama Hindu, the local version of Hinduism. The highlights of this culturally religious observance are the upacara (ceremonies) that are colourful and frequent. The most important ones are Galungan, Kuningan, Tumpek and Nyepi to name a few.
There are those ceremonies that a majority of travellers to Bali are unaware of. Here are just a few.
Bersih Desa: This ‘ritual’ is an expression of appreciation to the fertility Gods such as Dewi Sri. Subsequently, this ritual takes place around the period of the rice harvest. I suppose you could call it a ‘village spring-clean’! Roads and paths in the village area are repaired. Houses and other buildings of importance are cleaned, as are most of the garden areas within the village. Whatever needs painting gets painted, and in general, the whole village is renewed in appearance.
Hari Raya Sariswati: Batari Dewi Saraswati, the beautiful goddess, was the wife of Brahma. She was the goddess of the arts, sciences and learning. This day is to commemorate her and nobody on the island is allowed to write or read for the day. Special ceremonies are conducted by a pedanda early in the morning at the Pura Jagatnatha temple in Denpasar. On this day, books are offered to be blessed by the Gods. Hari Raya Saraswati is a day of appreciation when wisdom was brought to the world by the Gods.
Pagerwesi: Literally interpreted means ‘iron fence’. It is a day when man should fortify the space around himself to fend off evil spirits – the continuous battle between good and evil. Pagerwesi is a day of offerings requesting spiritual strength when confronting the life-cycles of suffering and worldly fulfillment. It is also a day of offerings for the protection of the village and families and the world around them. On this day, villagers take offerings to cemeteries for the un-cremated dead. As on the day Galungan, on the day of Pagerwesi ‘penjors’ are raised which makes it a day as almost as important as Galungan. You will find this ceremony almost strictly observed in the regency of Buleleng – the northern regions of Bali.
Melasti: The day before Nyepi. Everybody knows that the day of Nyepi is a day of silence, but, the day of Melasti is far from that and especially at night. It is a day when the villagers purify the deities – known as ‘Pratima’ – with water. This is the day when the villagers, dressed in their finery and carrying long-poled umbrellas, proceed in lines towards a source of water – a holy spring or the sea. In this procession, the women carry offerings of fruit and sweet cakes and flowers, and the men carry the sacred family statues on bamboo litters. Upon arriving at the water source (generally the sea), the pedanda prays and rings his small bells whilst the men carrying the litters rush the sacred figures into the water symbolically washing them and thus purifying the statues.
On the day of Melasti, you will also find the offerings of the flesh of domestic animals at crossroads – the haven of the evil spirits ‘bhuta‘ and ‘kala’. The offering of flesh is to placate these demons. Later in the evening, all hell breaks loose with all manner of noise and din created to awaken all the evil spirits and demons. This is the most spectacular part of this day.
There is also another very important ceremony called Eka Dasa Rudra. It is a ceremony to restore balance in the world and, is the most important and biggest religious ceremony on the island of Bali.

Image of the Day: Lombok Sunset

by Barrie | December 5th, 2010   Tweet

It had been a fourteen year hiatus since I last visited Lombok; properly, having only passed through there on my way to other islands in the archipelago. The sister island to Bali hadn’t really changed that much apart from the Senggigi area; the tourist mecca on the island where most of the five star hotels are located.
Considering my visit was a relatively short one the decision was obvious as to my choice of accommodation; the upmarket Senggigi Beach Hotel. Okay, it was going to cost for a few nights but compared to Bali it was cheaper and, I had all the luxury amenities at hand [not that I used them].
After hectic days of travelling around the island, researching and photographing, it was delightful to return to my small cottage on the beach and lazily soak up the sunset from the perfect view of my balcony.

Jalan Legian in Kuta Becomes a Mall

by Barrie | December 8th, 2010   Tweet

The idea of creating a Mall in the heart of Kuta, Bali by sealing off sections of Jala Legian has been bantered around for the past few years. The greatest objection to it was that it would be difficult to funnel the already heavy traffic around the Mall area. Now, the idea has become a reality and I am pleased.
In an article I read, Jalan Legian – between Bemo Corner and the Jalan Patik Jelantik intersection – was closed on Saturday, November 27, 2010, from 10:00 pm until 5 am. For those of you that know this section of road then you will know how excessive the traffic is. It’s always been a cough-spluttering walk along there!
So, if you are heading to Bali then look forward to a relaxing Saturday night along this stretch of road where you can walk in relative safety, enjoy the several nightclubs along this stretch or shop to your heart’s delight. Personally, I would like to see this ‘car-free’ zone nights on a Sunday as well as the Saturday.

Photo of the Day: Lombok to Bali

by Barrie | November 28th, 2010   Tweet

As anyone one will tell you that has regularly taken photos when thousands of feet up in the air is quite a hit-and-miss venture. There is a lot to deal with when you are composing the frame; engines suddenly appearing, wingtips or fuselages that annoyingly spoil your fabulous capture, and many other unforseen circumstances. But there are times when everything ‘clicks’ and the image you want is secured.
The last time I flew back from Lombok to Bali it was a strange trip. There was I thinking a straight east-west flight was in order flying over the eastern parts of Bali. Much to my surprise this was not the case. No sooner were we ten minutes out from Lombok the plane banked left and headed out into the Bali Sea. We approached from the south cruising over the Bukit Peninsula. It was delightful as I had never seen the Bukit Peninsula from above or that far south before.

Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport Renovations Finally Begin

by Barrie | November 23rd, 2010   Tweet

No doubt many of you could name a few things that are badly in need of change at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport; those things that really annoy you. I could name quite a few – the hard seating in the departure lounge that make your bum ache, the lack of budget-priced eateries, the early closure of shops when you are on a late-night flight and the high prices. But hey, it’s Bali and they gotta make a buck!
And, we have all seen the disruptions in the airport of late caused by minor renovations. There is a reason, however, for all of that. Extensive renovations of Bali Ngurah Rai Airport are now set to commence next month. Apparently it is considered a top priority for this development considering the increasing amount of air traffic.
The article in the Bali Discovery explains further and according to it, the renovations are sorely needed due to rapidly expanding tourism arrivals and the under-capacity of Bali’s airport that now handles more than 10 million travellers each year.
I often ask myself why the sudden urgency as nothing is done in Indonesia without a cause. Indeed I was correct: an acceleration in the renovation of the airport is being done at the express orders of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono who wants the work completed in time for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit (APEC) in 2013.
Let’s just hope they put in recliner rockers in the departure lounge and add a couple of kaki lima and cheap warungs while there at it!

Canang Sari: An Offering to the Gods

by Barrie | November 18th, 2010   Tweet

Walk down any street in the Kuta area and in fact, anywhere in Bali and you will see on the pavements small, square-woven coconut leaf trays with an adornment of flowers and other things. These are offerings to the Gods known as Canang Sari. The phrase canang sari is derived from the words sari (essence) and canang.
All manner of animal love them and no sooner are they placed in offering, their contents are devoured; except of course the flowers. Canang sari are offered every morning by devout Balinese to show gratitude to the creator – Sang Hyang Widi Wasa. On your sojourn in Bali don’t freak out if you step on one although I always try and avoid doing this.
A canang sari consists of coconut leaves, flowers, sliced banana, rice kernels, fragrances, and bamboo strips. Flowers and foodstuff are an art form associated with every ritual in Bali. These various elements are the most essential media of sacrifice in Hinduism. The canang sari shape and size differ in the form and function. Some of them are triangles, squares and circle.
They truly are beautifully created and it is the Balinese belief believe in the forces of the invisible worlds that dictates offerings be created with a spirit of thankfulness and loving attention to detail. Canang sari can be found everywhere; in household temples and houses, cross roads, shops, temples and other places of worship and sacred statues; in fact, any place the Balinese believe sacred.