Bali Blog

Hari Ngembak Geni – Bali

Barrie — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:46:53 +0000

The day following Nyepi is a Balinese holiday known as Ngembak Geni. On this day all shops that are Balinese owned are closed with the only shops being open are those owned by traders from other islands. The majority of warungs and restorans are open and so are the Malls of Matahari and Centro Discovery. What [...]

Nyepi: The Day of Silence – Bali

Barrie — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 06:03:31 +0000

Yesterday was absolutely serene with no sounds of honking horns or mad motor-bike riders screaming down Jalan Legian; just sheer peace and quiet. The day was spent mostly relaxing around the pool, having drinks and talking with friends. Wherever you went inside the Prawita Cottages it was eerily quiet. Everybody was whispering! I managed to get [...]

Off to Lombok

Barrie — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:58:13 +0000

Candika and I decided to head over to Lombok for a few days after the three day Nyepi holiday in Bali. It has been several years since I was there last and for Candika, her first time. First things first, I had to renew my visa. As always, I go to Bali Mode on Jalan [...]

Omed-Omedan - The Kissing Ritual

Barrie — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:52:26 +0000

The day following Nyepi is called Ngembak Geni Day and on this day there is a special ritual performed known as omed-omedan or med-medan. An age-old tradition, it is believed to date back to the Oka Sesetan royal family. Omed-omedan is a kind of public display of affection expressed by the youth of Bali but [...]

Hari Raya Nyepi: Bali

Barrie — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:47:52 +0000

Tomorrow in Bali it is Nyepi. This is the day of absolute silence for Hindu followers. No activity is done on this day, or amusements of any kind. No fire is lit on this day and night and no travelling is allowed to anywhere. Nyepi is the day of fasting and self introspection for the [...]

Photo of the Day: Shapes and Deception

Barrie — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 03:08:40 +0000

As a traveller I am constantly on the lookout for the unusual to photograph. This could be in the shape of buildings, objects or in some cases, animals and humans. I particularly like the fusion of different shapes that tend to feed-off each other and produce unique compositions. Recently, whilst in Yogakarta, I was sitting in [...]

Tumpek Landep in Bali Today

Barrie — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:59:17 +0000

Taking place on the Saturday of Landep in the second week of the Pakuwon, Tumpek Landep is a day of offerings to the weapons of war in Bali. These include guns or other weapons and in particular, the sacred kris. Family members who own such a weapon take it to the family temple where it is [...]

Tegallalang - Ubud: Stunning Rice Padi Views

Barrie — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:57:32 +0000

Ubud, located in the cool hilly area of Central Bali, has so much to offer the tourist and traveller. Primarily considered the cultural heart of Bali, Ubud is a collective of villages that have seemingly merged to become one large art colony. Ubud is home to some of the most creative artists on the [...]

Deep Sea Fishing in Bali

Barrie — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:31:47 +0000

It had taken two years for Carl and I to at last go deep sea fishing in Bali mainly because events interceded our plans in the past. Yesterday we achieved our goal. The trip was organised with Mawar Kuning Wisata in Tanjung Benoa located almost at the very tip of the peninsula. A lunch and [...]

Coco Bistro: Tuban

Barrie — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:14:57 +0000

Those of you who have frequented the Centro Discovery Mall in Tuban over the years will well remember the restoran Bali Colada that was located at the rear of the Mall opposite Black Canyon Café. The bad news is that Bali Colada is no longer there and in its place a new restoran; Coco Bistro. Coco [...]