Thank you Pushpan

Dear Gede,

I would like to thank you for a very memorable and enjoyable trip to Bali. thank you for sharing the culture and the beauty of Bali to us. we will definately return again for more of eco-adventure as we could’t do it this time, 4days is too short to enjoy the whole island.

Dear All,

If you are planning a trip to Bali, please contact Gede to guide you around, he is honest, reliable and a humble person. he will show you more as he knows the road and town extremely well. just tell him what are your interest and he will be able to tell you what is the best place to go.

Most important of all enjoy Bali as its full of beautiful places and beautiful people.

Once again thank you Gede and please do keep in touch.

Warm Rgds,
Pushpan

Bali Architecture

Balinese architecture is not only aesthetically impressive with wood carvings, majestic stone gates and ornate Indian influence engravings, Balinese architecture also has strong spiritual symbolism. Many temples, rice barns and other structures are built according to traditional Balinese rules, called Asta Kosala Kosali, which traditionally were written down in lontar palm books and interpreted by traditional architects called Undagi. This leads to very distinctive designs and architectural congruence throughout Bali’s villages, which all delicately interwoven with the natural surroundings.
In Balinese building, one of the most common features is the Bale , which is an open pavilion with a thatched roof and no walls. The Bale represents the Hindu-Balinese universe. The roof is the 'gods' section, the body is the 'human' section, and the base is the 'demons' section
Other impressively symbolic architectural sites in Bali are its palaces. Since in classical 19th century Bali, the Balinese believes their king was divine, his residence was the puri - a replica of the cosmos and thus a sacred symbol. Balinese palaces are always square, walled, and courts within courts.
In Bali, all buildings have to be brought to life and ceremonially purified in a ceremony called Melaspas before they can be lived in. It is important that all materials – such as the wood, stone and thatch, which have been cut down and killed for the construction, are, as it were, re-incarnated. During this ceremony, many offerings and gifts are made, including animal sacrifices.

BALI CULTURE

The Balinese are an extremely devote and spiritual mix. In fact, in Bali there are over 10,000 temples on the small but densely populated island. The Balinese believe that good spirits dwell in the mountains and that the seas are home to demons. Therefore, most villages have at least three main temples: one of which is the Pura Puseh or ‘temple of origin’, is dedicated to the village founders and which faces to Mt Agung - home to Pura Besakih the mother temple on Bali. Also, each home, rice field or market can have several temples and as well as rice fields. Daily offerings are made at these temples in he form of food, cigarettes, sweets and sometimes even money in order to honor the good spirits and satiate the evil spirits.
Balinese society is founded on the Hindu caste system, though there are several differences. For example, the Balinese do not have untouchables. Instead in Bali, there are four castes; Sundras , the peasants who comprise over 90% of the population, Wesias , the warrior caste, which also includes traders and some nobility, Satrias , the caste of kings, and Pedanas , the holy men and priests (brahman). Amazingly, each caste has its own language; a separate dialect exists to enable someone to address one of unknown caste to avoid disrespect. Luckily, to prevent confusion, the national language of Indonesia (Bahasia Indonesia), is taught in schools and enables everyone generally to communicate with one another.

There are two sub-classes in Bali called the Subak and the Banjar. The Subak controls who will plant rice and when (plantings are staggered so that pestilence is minimized). All farmers or rice paddy owners must join the Subak in their village. As well and more importantly the Subak ensures that all farmers receive just amounts of irrigation water. Meanwhile, the Banjar are in charge of all other aspects of Balinese life such as marriages, cremations, community service and festivals.
In Bali, the birth of a child is attended by the entire family, and a holy man who invokes spiritual powers and aids the delivery. Balinese are named according to its order in the family; Wayan for the first born, Made for the second, Nyoman for the third and Ketut for the fourth. The names are repeated for more than four children.

KINTAMANI TOUR

Kintamani Tour
Visit Bali Active Volcano
Kintamani Tour is a tour package with an impressive experience to visit Kintamani with breathtaking view of an active volcano and lake. This tour will visit places interest in Bali like Goa Gajah/Elephant Cave, Tampak Siring Temple/Tirta Empul Tample and Kintamani. The tour is also offering you the wide opportunity to see the beautiful handicraft in Bali which is made by local people to bring home for your souvenir. This tour is very comfortable with our professional english speaking driver who is always outstanding offer our best service. It is a private tour with full air-conditioning car transfer and delicious lunch is served on the way of the trip to complete your tour enjoyable.

Kitamani tours, Bali Active Volcano
Places of interest will be visited during Kintamani Tour
Goa Gajah GOA GAJAH
Goa Gajah, Bali ToursGoa Gajah/Elephant Cave is an ancient omission in the form of a cave with the high value of art and history. Goa Gajah is one of tourist destinations in Bali that is visited by a lot of tourists every day. In this place, we will find other ancient omissions like ancient stone idol, douche, temple and others. It owns beautiful relief with a form of face turning around to the left side. We have to descend the doorstep to reach Goa Gajah because this place is located in the river valley. It is a famous place with unique cave and the right place to visit on the tour.



Tampak Siring TAMPAK SIRING/HOLY SPRING WATER TEMPLE
Tampak Siring TempleTampak Siring or recognized also by the name of Tirta Empul is a temple with a big water source residing in the middle of it. The water is clear, clean and holy assumed by the local resident to cure some disease. In Tampak Siring, you will see a Palace of Indonesia State founded by first president. Its place is very beautiful and peaceful that is surrounded by hill. There are many water douche exist in this temple that are using by local people for bathing and purification purpose.



Kitamani Tour KINTAMANI/BATUR VOLCANO AND LAKE
Kintamani, Batur Volcano, Lake BaliKintamani is a name of countryside located in the hill and the beautiful panorama surround it. We can see beautiful panorama from Kintamani to overview the active volcano of Batur Mount and wide Lake of Batur in a valley. It is situated in the plateau area with cool weather surround it. When we stand up at Kintamani, we will be able to see the rural area which is close to the lake. This place is very femous and visited by many tourists everyday.



TOUR ITINERARY
09:00 - Pick up at the hotel
10.15 - Visit Gold and Silver work
10.45 - Visit Wood Carving
12.00 - Visit Kintamani with Batur Volcano and Lake
12.15 - Enjoy lunch at local restaurant in Kintamani
14.00 - Visit Tampak Siring/Tirta Empul Temple
15.00 - Visit Goa Gajah/Elephant Cave
15.30 - Back to hotel
17.00 - Arrive at hotel

Bale Kulkul

 

First Trip

Trip for those who like adventure

This is my first adventure to climb a mountain, I often take tourists (guests) to climb but I have never accompanied them, usually I take a nap in the car at the time the the guest is gone, but this time I wanted to have a new experience. Before I left I was really perplexed and also I felt scared. "Would I be able to make it to the top?", because until this time I had never climbed. But my fears were overcome by my wish to know 'what does it feel like at the top (summit) and what is up there'? This question chased away my fear.
The three of us left Kuta at 2 AM, the feelings of fear returned to the point that I was thinking of not going along to climb. But the feeling of wanting to know was greater so the fear disappeared. We more or less covered the distance from Kuta in an hour and a half because there wasn't much traffic so that we could speed up a bit ( go fast) in order to arrive more quickly.
.Finally we arrived at our destination. At the start of the climb there were two trails; the one closer to Pura Jati was for those who wanted to climb to the summit starting from a further distance but a less steep ( flatter) trail. We started our climb from the other trail on the eastern slope of the trek. The air was very cold ( tiang bingung yen 'begitu', so cold, very cold, rather cold?) and it was also very dark. After we met out guide, we started to climb. Before I proceeded onward, I thought "was there anything that we needed that was at the bottom? Food? Drink?". We started to trek in the dark of the night so our guide brought us a flashlight. I was in the first group that left. I was afraid my fears would again show up because before we had traveled 30 minutes, I was out of breath because the trail was becoming steep and rocky. My friends and I walked rather slowly. Below us I was able to see a light that was moving. The closer the light got the more it moved.....the shining light was like a butterfly, the longer the time, the closer it got. Because I was hiking rather slowly, finally that group of tourists with the light went ahead of us. The farther they went the more they were lost in the dark of the night so that all that was seen was the shine of their lights.

The longer I walked, the more I was out of breath. I started to think about stopping because I was really tired, and my legs were feeling really heavy. Luckily, my guide was giving us encouragement, 'Keep going, don't give up'. Our guide kept saying we were already getting close. The color red was already starting to appear in the eastern sky, and I myself slowly walked with the remaining energy I had. The conditions were getting clearer and I began to be able to see around me. The beauty was beginning to appear, before I could only see darkness. The feeling of exhaustion started to be healed by the view that was so beautiful.
The sun began to appear, ...finally I myself arrived at the summit....I was so happy..the feelings of exhaustion disappeared as I was able to see the view from the summit. It was a really really good feeling....the view was so astonishing... beautiful very beautiful. The beauty of the view was worth the exhausting efforts!

Sun Rise at Mount Batur

It's really wonderfull view from the top of mount batur when sunrise

Kerta Gosa..Bali Klungkung

Kerta Gosa, Klungkung Regency (Taman Gili Kertagosa)
As an ex-kingdom teritory, Klungkung has a lot of Historical Place that interest to visit, one of them is Kerta Gosa. Kerta Gosa is a building (Bale Kerta Gosa) that made at 1686 by the first king of Klungkung, I Dewa Agung Jambe. Kerta Gosa consist of two major Buildings (Bale), whis is Bale Kerta Gosa and Bale Kambang. Named Kambang (kambang=float), because this building surrounded by a pool whis is Taman Gili.
On the roof we can see many of Kamasan Traditional Painting, Kamasan is one of Village in Klungkung Regency. At the beginning, all of the Painting that surround the building, made from Cotton and parba (Klungkung Traditional Cotton), since 1930 the cotton changed with Etermit, and restorated depend of the original artwork and we able to see it until now. The function of Bale Kambang and Kerta Gosa commonly used for Yadnya Ceremony for all of kingdom family.
Other function is for education, that sees from wayang painting the building, because lot of the painting tells the story about Swargarohana Parwa and Bhisma Parwa that tell us about good and bad activity in our life and also reincarnation because of our activity at our past life. There are six rows of painting in there.
Besides than Kerta Gosa, wayang painting also able to see in Bale Kambang, west of Kerta Gosa building. In this building the painting tell us about Story of Ramayana and Sutasoma. At 1930 held a restoration with all of the painting in Kertagosa, and the final restoration held in 1960.

Thank you Sandra

We first met Gede through a mutual friend eight years ago and he provided us with an excellent driving service in Bali. Now, with children, we have just returned from another visit to Bali. I had no hesitation in contacting Gede and entrusting our family to his care for our travels on the island. Gede made the travels for us - and particularly the first visit for our sons - memorable and thoroughly enjoyable and safe. I would highly recommend him to anyone wanting to travel in comfort and safety and learn more about the Balinese culture.

My Guest

Dear Gede,

On behalf of the four family members who used your expert knowledge of Bali on our recent trip, we would like to thank you for making our stay so memorable. You are a very reliable driver, always attending to our needs and taking care of us during the four days we used your service. Your vehicle is very neat and clean, making it comfortable touring around the back roads. Thank you also for helping pack our luggage when we were moving from town to town. You are a true gentleman and I would not hesitate to recommend you as a very good driver. You have a lot of knowledge of Bali and are very helpful to your guests. Thanks for a memorable stay. The Gilchrist & McKeown family.


Dear Gede,

We would like to thank you very much for wonderful trips and excellent guiding during our stay in Bali.
You showed us many great places and now we have such beautiful
memories from them.
It was very nice from you that you’ve chosen non-tourist places for us. Your English is very good and we are very happy that you told us stories from your country.
We will advice everyone visiting Bali to have you as a driver!
Many thanks again and good luck in everything!

Gosia and Rafal

Jati Luwih

Jatiluwih is a beautiful rice terrace unfolding from mountain until the coastal side and to be places of interest to be visited in west part of Bali.

The Moon of Pejeng

The moon of pejeng
The worlpd’s biggest kettle drum.

Kettle-drums are the most characteristic artifact o fthe proto-historic Dong-Son culture,which have speeded in the whole south-east asia,peninsulas and archipelago.Those are big bronze piece(diameter:36-126cms,high : 40-92cms),drum profile and coasted with the lost-wax techic.Most of it have been made in North Vietnam during the second half of the last millenennium and some of it have been “exported” to other regions of south-east Al,including Indonesia.
At the beginning of the Christian era,caster in Java and Bali mastered already bronze technics and some kettle-drum found in tehArchipelago are surely Indonesia made.The biggest kettle-drum has been castle in Bali;it is called The Moon of Pejeng,is 186,5 cms high with a diameter between 110cms( matle) and 160cms(tympanon).This kettle-drum still is kept and worshipped in Penataran Sasih temple( village of pejeng).We are sure it has been casted in Bali,because mould fragments with very similar decorative patterns have been dixco erred about fifteen kms from pejeng,in the village of Manuaba.
Kettle-drums are always ornamented with geomaetrical patterns,whichare usually completed with figurative representation.All kettle-drums waer a big star in the middle of the tympanon.But,the moon of Pejeng owns peculiar formal and decorative characteristic too by representation on the mantle of an heart-shaped face,with big eyes and heavy earing…the mon of pejeng inaugurates a new kind of kettle-drums called moko,nad which have been commercialized in estern Indonesia until the beginning of the XX th century.
This unique kettle-drums own its name to the legend whih explain its origins.The Moon of Pejeng is said to be one of the wheel sof the Moon’s chariot( sasish means”moon” in Balinese) fallen on the earth at pejeng.A thief discovered that wheel and urinated on it: he dies consequent and the Moon of Pejeng losted its brightness.The oldest description of this kettle-drum has been published in 1705.It has been written by aGerman naturalist and clergyman called G.E Rumphius having worked of the Dutch East India Company.In 1906,W.O.J Nieuwenkamp,a ducthh traveler and painter,was exceptionally authorized to approach the kettle-drum,to manipulate and to draw it scientifically.
This exceptional piece is fully described and analysed in the books of the world’s best expert on kettle-drums,the archaeologist A.J. Bernet-Kempers.For instance in its Monument Bali/Introduction to Baliness Archaeology&Guide to the Monuments,Singapour:Periplus,1991

BEACH IN BALI

Kuta

As a pearl of Bali, Kuta is one of the best beaches in Asia, with the only waves, which breaks over sand instead of a coral. This most popular tourist destination has succeeded in combining the need of local people and visitors. The original Kuta villagers have involved in the tourism industry for years.Kuta and surrounding offers various kind of accommodation, from simple and cheap accommodation provided by the locals to luxurious accommodation managed by international hotel chain.Kuta’s seas are ideally best for surfing. Everyday both Balinese and foreigners are found along the golden sands of Kuta beach. Kuta area is also completed with various tourist facilities such as restaurants, pubs, bars, souvenir shops, tattoo parlors and travel offices.Along the north of Kuta, Legian street offers a number of high quality boutiques, excellent restaurants, cafes and bars influenced by western style. Exclusive hotels can be easily found in Seminyak, further north of Kuta, while antiques wooden furniture shops in Jalan Raya Kerobokan.

Jimbaran

Jimbaran is another resort near Kuta, which the tourist are quite fond of. It’s a drowsy bay where flotillas of fishing boats blush the panorama.Jogging is widely practiced sport in Jimbaran beach and is especially tempting in the covered glow of sunset. It’s also an admired spot for windsurfing and sailing small craft, which are obtainable for rent.The quietness of Jimbaran is a perfect attraction to spend sometime while feeling the sensation of sea breeze and facing the sunset.

Tuban

Located between Kuta and the airport, Tuban is a nice place to stay. Around Tuban is completed with various type of hotels and many supporting tourist facilities. Tuban beaches are safe for swimming and it is such a perfect place to unwind.

Uluwatu, Padang Padang & Bingin

These beaches are popular among surfers. Lack of supporting facilities is not an obstacle for tourist with adventure spirit to conquer the waves.Now, a number of infrastructure developments have been started to establish in these area. This means as an effort to provide a good accessibility for anyone who come there.

Sanur

The main attraction of Sanur beach are the beaches with their very white sand and the beauty of constantly calm water. Sanur area has all level of accommodation and solid network of infrastructure.Sanur is also the place where the few remaining of Brahman Kuasa villages found. Some of the charming ritual procession such as Bali’s only all-female keris dance is held in this area.The Prasasti Blanjong, an emblazoned pillar here dated AD 913, is Bali’s earliest behind the times relic and is now kept in a temple in Blanjong village, southern part of Sanur.

Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is a lovely commune devoted to tourism. The objective of the establishment was to meet all demands of tourism. The most exclusive and well-known remedy in Bali offers the best in terms of tourists structures and services, well-built and efficient hotel complexes with inclusive facilities, golf course with international standards where worldwide competition are also held, luxurious shops and exclusive beaches for tourists only.The village of Bualu, in Nusa Dua area has a picturesque site as well as for its relative isolation from densely populated areas. Most of hotel in Nusa Dua is landmark of the new Balinese architecture.


Nusa Lembongan

Located in the eastern part of Bali, Nusa Lembongan is a popular place for diving and snorkeling. It has a professional dive centers and is an ideal relaxation stop for sailing trips from the mainland. Many small crafts offers day trip to the island.With the backdrop of Mount Agung, the immaculate island has spectacular scenery and offers unforgettable adventure. Nusa Lembongan’s neighboring island, Nusa Penida is less popular and tourism does not play an important role there.


Amed and Tulamben

Eastern part of Bali offers alternative destinations, which are Amed and Tulamben. Amed is a resort town that will bring back the old memory of Kuta. Completed with simple tourist supporting facilities such as Losmen, small hotels and amateur entertainment, Amed is a popular site for snorkeling.With the panorama changing drastically to dry hills covered with scrub, Tulamben is quieter and even more popular for diving. As one of the most renowned diving site in Indonesia, Tulamben offers diverse marine life and magnificent under water world.


Padang Bai

A flawlessly shaped bay cradled by the hills, Padang Bai is a perfect escape in the east of Bali. As a transit harbor to Bali neighboring islands such as Nusa Penida and Lombok, passenger and cargo vessel departing everyday.There are a few losmen provided in Padang Bai. An intimate white sandy beach and lovely harbor scenery will make the holiday in Bali even more romantic.


Candi Dasa

As a recognized resort area for over topical decades, Candi Dasa is an entryway to East Bali. Compared to the resorts in southern part of Bali, Candi Dasa is much simpler.Offering low budget accommodation and few upscale hotels, the main attraction of Candi Dasa is a dazzling landscape of the beach. Blighted by jetties protruding into the water, intended to stop the erosion caused by coral blasting for years.


Lovina Beach

In the western part of Singaraja, long stretch of black sand beach encompasses Anturan, Tukad Mungga, Kalibukbuk, Kaliasem and Temukus villages collectively called Lovina. Lining up of busy losmen and hotels with the depleted shady sea makes Lovina one of the most stirring beaches in Bali.Tranquility, incredible under water world and dolphins are the magnetism of Lovina. From Lovina, visiting Pulau Menjangan, which is a part of West Bali National Park will be interesting for diving lover.


Tanah Lot


Located in Tabanan, just across the boundary of Badung regency, Tanah Lot is the most well-known and photographed temple.A truly remarkable and feature temple, Tanah Lot is built on a stony narrow piece of terrain, which the high tides transform into an island, making right of entry from the land impossible.It is particularly reminiscent at sunset when the illumination, at times a slender thread and others, a dazzling spark, springs back the waves. The beach around Tanah Lot is less comfortable for swimming but great for horse riding and watching spectacular sunset. Although surfing can be done in this area but it’s recommended not for beginner.

Bali Ritual

Tumpek Kandang.

Balinese Hindu has a ceremony called Tumpek Uye or Tumpek Kandang.The ceremony is intended to give thanks to God for creating animals,which can be eaten for food.This ceremony will take place at every farm and family compound.This ritual is dedicated to Sang Hyang Rare Anggon,master of all cattle and livestock.
Tumpek Kandang,also pronounced as Tumpek Andang,falls every Saturday of Uye,which occurs every 210 days in Balinese Calendar System.The name Tumpek Knadang is derived from two words-Tumpek means Saturday and Kandang refers to the balinse word for domesticated animal that Balinese highly honor.Those include cows,pigs,Chicken,duck,dogs,and birds.

On this special day,farm animals in Bali also get very special attention;the cows are washed in the river and dressed-up like human beings,with special cone-shaped coconut leaves placed on their horns.The pigs are decorated,with their bellies wrapped white or yellow cloth.The farm animals are fed with delicious food.
This ritual is certainly not an animal worship ritual,The Bainese consider these animals as friend of life and fellow brother created by Gods as liveng creatures.Human life is much assisted by animal,especially in satisfying the needs for food,labor force,religious ceremonies and for in come.For the sake of preservation and prosperity of such animals,the Balinese plead to the gods for the animals well being

Bali Destination

Bali Destination


Air Panas
Kab.Buleleng
In Banjar village, there is a famous site of the so-called Air Panas. It is a sacred hot spring.

Candi Dasa
Kab.Karangasem
The other tourist paradise is located just 2-hour drive from the central beach adventures in Kuta.

Goa Gajah
Kab.Gianyar
The eleventh century cave built on the hillside is one major tourist attraction close to Ubud-Gianyar road.

Goa Lawah
Kab.Klungkung
the bat cave temple, about 7 km of Padai Bai, is one major tourist attraction. It is one of the state temples of Klungkung.

Kamasan
Kab.Klungkung
situated on the south of Klungkung, a tiny village of Kamasan is fully packed with artists' homes and studios. The village is home to traditional Balinese paintings. It is particularly famous as the center of classical wayang paintings that somehow leads back to similar figures of puppets in ancient Java.

Kintamani
Kab.Bangli
One of Bali's most famous village, Kintamani, is located on the scenic regency of Bangli.
The fresh air from the mountain combined with dizzy view is best enjoyed by cycling around the village or trekking.

Menjangan Island
Kab.Jembrana
Besides as part of the National Park in Jembrana regency, it is the home to the unbearable phenomenon of untainted coral reefs that sweep the underwater view in just 100 m-150m off the shore.

Mount Agung
Kab.Karangasem
The towering Mount Agung is the natural decoration that beautifies the eastern regency of Karangasem.

Nusa Penida
Kab.Klungkung
Ater boating for about 40 m off the Bali Island to the far south, the divers will find their underwater paradise around Nusa Penida Island. The visibility is good within 25m-40m dive.

Pelaga Village
Kota.Denpasar
About 800 meters above the sea level and 45 KM off Denpasar at the northern most point of Badung Regency, Pelaga offers you a green and cool sight. An agrotourism walk around the coffee plantation will be the memorable moment and refreshing, too.

Perkebunan Kopi
Kab.Bangli
To differ from the most attractions in Bali the tourists would like to see, the Bali government develops agro tourism which introduces a tour to plantation areas.

Sangeh
Kota.Denpasar
A number of temples in Bali are well known for being the residences of monkey population. Name one is the monkey forest in Sangeh Village, 21 KM away from Denpasar. The resident monkeys are told to be the guardians of Pura Bukit Sari.

Serangan Island
Kab.Badung
The turtle island is just few hundred meters off southern Sanur's coastline. The spectacular reefs were the popular sight for snorkeling activity.

Tegalalang
Kab.Gianyar
About 7 km north of Ubud, Tegalalang village sets itself as the center of painted woodcarvings.

Tejakula
Kab.Buleleng
From Air Sanih, one may continue to visit the east of Buleleng where a small village of Tejakula is located. A series of attractions await the tourists, such as the horse bath, a white stone confection of arches and pillars which is not longer used for the original purpose.

Tenganan
Kab.Karangasem
Tenganan village, an inclusive part of Manggis sub district of Karangasem regency, is located between the hill which lies at west and east part.

Ubud
Kab.Gianyar
About 30 Km off Denpasar and amidst the emerald green ricefields in the stunnning central balinese foothills, Ubud village used to be the center for medicinal sources. In 1920s and 30s, along with the coming of foreign artists, it was booming into a Bali;s prominent art center where greatest artworks were created through the fine brush of talented artists.

West Bali National Park
Kab.Buleleng
from adventure to ecotourism, Buleleng has them all. The national park collects the wild west mysteries of nature where the long-extinct Balinese tiger or rare white Balinese starling makes the park their home.