“Friendly, punctual, knowledgeable & good price

“Friendly, punctual, knowledgeable & good price” 5 of 5 starsReviewed September 2, 2013 NEW Highly recommended driver guide. Gede Suyasa is a native of Bali and he is very knowledgeable about Balinese culture, roads & sites of attraction. All you need to do is let him know what sort of places you'd like to see or experiences that you like. V pleasant company cos he has a good sense of humour to boot :) His command of English is pretty good by Balinese standards and replies promptly to email enquiries. Meanwhile, he is easygoing, flexible and accommodative of his clients' needs - never one to insist on his own recommendations but to offer insights, advice and suggestions to your plans. Lastly, his services are ethically priced especially for his full day tour service. I will definitely not look elsewhere for a driver for my next trip to Bali and have been recommending him to my friends and family. Visited August 2013

Strongly Recommended !

“Bali 18/8/2013 to 22/8/2013” 5 of 5 starsReviewed August 24, 2013 NEW This is my vey first time to Bali.Gede was able to provide excellent services for us. Strongly recommended to those who wish to get a driver in bali. Gede was recommended by a friend who uses Gede as her driver in Bali. Gede had a great insight into the sort of things we wanted to see and do while we were in Bali. Gede was extremely courteous, very punctual, very professional. Visited August 2013

Comminity System

Community System One unique image of the Balinese people in all over the world is about their very strong attachment collectively. There are seven norms that bind the Balinese who have been strengthening the identity and the resilience of their culture: - Majority bound to Hinduism as the oldest religions in Indonesia - Bound to worship on various temple/shrine - Bound to the system of kinship through blood and marriage - Bound to the community, whether Banjar of Desa Pakraman (Village) - Bound to the system inherited dynasty in Patrilineal - The farmers bound to the system Subak (Organization which manage irrigation in Bali) - The Balinese village bound by the rules of service in the framework on Indonesia State System Due to the development of education, economic and social changes led to some collectivities the knot becameloose. Basically, the Balinese social system oriented to the two structures, the traditional structure and formal social structure. Traditional structures have historical roots that originated from a very long traditional of pre-Hindu and the continue with a variety of changes to the presents. Meanwhile, formal social structure of Balinese people associated with the integration of Bali into the system of the Unitary State of Indonesia since independence republic August 17, 1945. Bureaucratic system of statutory, law, school, education, population, monetary, security, autonomy, political parties are aspects of Balinese life in the context of formal structural. Social system and traditional social structure is very interesting to the understand because of form, function, and meaning is unique and systemic, but on the other hand is as a system and media to learn more deeply about the nature, the basic, and core character of the social life of human culture of Bali. In the discussion of Holistic and systematic, system of traditional Balinese society is drawn through six focuses. Tri Hita Karana As The Spirit Of Balinese Social Life Balinese social life is summed up in a variety of traditional institutions imbued with the spirit of Hindu religion and spirit based conception of Tri Hita Karana. This conception is the basis for harmony and the spirit of harmony of Balinese. Tri Hita Karana outline, guiding, and directing to make a good relation between human and God, human and humans, and human with their environment. Cosmosentric and anthroposentric philosophies are the development of human essence of Bali. Tri Hita Karana conception as local Balinese culture which has the universal values.

Ready,Gede,Gold

“Ready, Gede, Gold!” 5 of 5 starsReviewed August 12, 2013 NEW My gf and I travelled to Bali in early July and we hired Gede as our driver after some Tripadvisor research. I'm happy to report back that the Tripadvisor reviews turned out 101% true. Gede ticked all the boxes - he was punctual, reliable and pleasant. He knows his roads well and his car was clean and well-kept. In particular, we enjoyed Gede's company as he is mild-mannered and provided us with timely recommendations when we asked for it. We never felt pressurised into going somewhere or doing something that we were unsure of. As first-timers to Bali, it was nice to have someone like that we could trust. Furthermore, Gede was prompt and responsive to my email queries before my arrival. He speaks good English. Glad to have chosen Gede, he was gold. Repeat customer material.

Pagerweis Day

Balinese people will commemorate Pagerwesi Day. The word Pagerwesi is derived from two Javanese words, pager (fence) and wesi (iron). Pagerwesi literally means the day of "iron fence".

Pagerwesi is dedicated to honour Siva, the God manifestation as Sanghyang Pramesi Guru, guardian of the universe, which is meant to ask for protection and prosperity. Pagerwesi has a very close relationship with Saraswati which falls four days after Saraswati Day. After people received knowledge on Saraswati Day, Pagerwesi is the day to show our respect to the teacher and the main Guru (God or Siva). Another correlation between Saraswati and Pagerwesi is that the knowledge must be protected from bad influences and misuse. Pagerwesi is the day when Balinese fortify the space around themselves to ward off evil spirits, 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. Celebrated in every home compound and temple throughout Bali, Pagerwesi is a popular time for large and colorful temple ceremonies, notably at Payogan Agung Temple in Ketewel. As on the day Galungan, on the day of Pagerwesi, “penjors” (a tall decorated bamboo poles) are raised which makes it a day as almost as important as Galungan. This ceremony is almost strictly observed in Buleleng regency. Pagerwesi Day will be preceded by the celebration of Soma Ribek, which falls on Monday, 18 September 2006, during which time a series of ritual ceremonies are held. The word Soma Ribek is derived from Soma which means Monday and Ribek which means full. On this day, Balinese people bring offerings to the rice box. They thank God for food and beverage in their lives and pray to Dewi Sri (Goddess of Prosperity) for prosperity. The philosophy of Soma Ribek Day is food and beverage, which is the third most important thing for human life. Following Soma Ribek celebration, Balinese people will carry on to celebrate Sabuh Emas Day, which falls on Tuesday, 19 September 2006 when colorful offerings especially gold jewelries and Chinese coins are made and dedicated to the Lord of Jewelries. The philosophy of Saraswati and Pagerwesi celebrations are that people must keep knowledge, health, food, cloth and gold high in their lives to keep the universe in balance.

Kehen Temple

This temple lies at the southern foot of bangle hill at the north east of the city of Bangli. The temple is luxurious with a veranda facing to the south. It is located near Sasana Budaya Bangli, just few kilometers from the main city of Bangli. At the top end of the town, Pura Kehen, the state temple of the Bangli Kingdom, is terraced up the hillside. A great flight of steps leads to the beautifully decorated entrance. The first courtyard has a huge banyan tree with a Kulkul (warning drum) entwined it its branches. Chinese porcelain plates were set in to the walls as decoration, but most of the originals have been damaged of lost (some of the replacements have quite incongruous old English design). The inner courtyard has an 11 roofed meru (multi-roofed shrine), and a shrine with thrones for the three figures of the Hundhu Trinity-Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. The carvings are particulary intricate. This is one of the finest temples on Bali, like a mini Besakih; here you can walk inside of the temple.

Kuta Beach

Since the 18th century Kuta has served as the entry for foreigners visiting southern Bali. In the1830s Kuta was the a thriving slave market, attracting a wide variety of international ‘lowlifes’. Since its rediscovery by hippies and surfers in the 1960s, Kuta and Legian have expanded so rapidly that the district is now one of the busiest tourist areas in the world. At three hundred year ago, in this place had been built a Konco (Buddhist Temple) located beside of Tukad Mati (Dead River) where it river can be navigable at that time. The boat steps into the hinterland of Kuta, so that Kuta is a port trade. Mad Lange is a merchant from Denmark in 19 century had built its trade station in the river periphery. During living in Bali, he often becomes the medium between king of Bali and Dutch. Mad Lange has mysteriously died and his grave is located inside of Konco (Buddhist Temple) right in the river periphery. Kuta is quiet fisherman countryside in the past, but now is has been turned into the hilarious town and it is completed by post office, police office, market, pharmacy, photo center, and shop. There are a lot of hotels which are designed luxury and comfortable set in a long side of white sandy beach of Kuta.

Sanur Beach

Sanur originates from two words, “Saha” and “Nuhur” which literally means the passion to visit the certain place. Located in the sourthern part of Bali, Sanur is famed for its beautiful strip of pure sandy beaches acrros the coastal line. It is also famed its’ spectacular sunrises wich literally marks a new day in the life of the Balinese. A talented laid back atmosphere is what is unique about the village of Sanur where hospitality is intewined with the traditions of Balinese culture and religion. The atmosphere from sunrise till sunset provides endless opportunities of discovery into the daily lives of the Balinese, where each corner of the village provides a certain exploration for every visitor. Lines of shaded trees along the roads, a stretch of beach for sunbathing, a strip of shops for shopping and a veriety of restaurants for wining and dining, the option is endless in Sanur. Sanur also represents a name that carries important history for torism in Indonesia, and Bali more specific. It was on the beach of Sanur that the first Netherlands troops set foot on the island of Bali in 1906. This was also the exact place that the first war accurred between Netherlands against the community of Bali in defending their land from colonialism. This war was later known as the Puputan Badung, a heroic event tha is strongly remembered by every individual Balinese until today’s generation.

Lovina

The centre of activities in Lovina area is about located 10 Km from Sinagaraja Town.Nowdasy,Lovina area is becoming the center of tourism activities in north part of Bali and offer many kind of accommodations,restaurants,bars,beach activities,art shop,bank,ect.The accommodation in this area are a available from the star hotel class until small hotel even the home stay for the low budget travelers.As a tourist area and center of tourism in Singaraja,Lovina get the biggets visit from ourist who visiting north part of Bali.It is estimated 90% from tourist who pay a visit to north of Bali will in Lovina. Most visitors to Lovina beach,in the northern part of Bali,are there for the dolphins. Tourists generally make the trip out to the beach in June,July or August,when the weather is good and the waters blue and clear.The rising number of visitor to the beach is good for the local economy because of the jobs creates.There are more than 300 dolphins spotting guides in Kaliasem village in Kalibukbuk near Lovina beach.During peak season,nearly all of them are busy taking tourist on trips out to see.The best time for dolphins spotting is about 6 a.m. ,so tourist are advised to turn up at about 5.30 a.m.,before sunrise Dolphin watching is much like fishing in that if one is lucky they will get a “ big catch “ and see the dolphins up close,but if they are not,they will go home “empty-handed”.without seeing so much as a fin.Many peoples are satisfied by the experience ,but others return from the sea complaining the dolphins were chased and cornered by the boats.The dolphins can become sick from exhaustion after being trailed by the tourist boats,or separated from their pups.Some of the guide acknowledge there are problems with way in which the trips are conduct ,but say there is nothing they can do a about it.

Pengelipuran Village

The village that located around 6 kilometer from the closest city Bangli or 1 1 kilometer from KUbu village has 750 populations by the last census 2012 by the nuber of the head family 200.Pengilpuran village is a traditional village which has their own charater,belong to the District Kubu-Sub-district Kubu and Bangli regency. The beauty ot the village and the surrounding act that the Penglipuran village is untouchable village by the modernization era,Supported by the fresh air by the height 700 meter above the sea level,give the comfortable for the villagers and visitors.The surrounded villages are Desa Khayan,Desa Gunaksa,Desa Kubu and Desa Ceking.. The village which is consists of one Village and one smaller village, administratively is very easy to adjust,the number of the Village and smaller village is the same.The name of the Penglipuran village according to the mythology from the old peoples from Penglipuran village came frfom “Pengeling Pura” ( remember with the temple ),it mean that remember with the ancestors. This mytology is connected with the movement of their ancestor from Bayung Gede village at Kintamani area to Penglipuran village.To respect their ancestor at Bayung Gede that is why at Penglipuran village as well built the same kind of temple such as : Pura Bale Agung,Pura Puseh,Pura Dalem, and Pura Dukuh.The four temples until now is still respecting by the villagers.Their sense of belonging and their respecting to the ancestor is the meaning of the four temples they built.

Uluwatu Temple

It’s located on the very steep valley on the west of Pecatu village,in the district of KUta,badung Regency,about 30 km from Denpasar. Uluwatu temple perches on the south-western tip of peninsula,where sheer cliffs drop precipitously into the clear blue sea.The temple hangs right over the edge,you enter it through an unusual arched gateway flanked by statue of Ganesha.Inside,the walls of coral bricks are covered with intricate carving of Bali’s mythological menageries.But the real attraction is the location for a good angel,especially at sunset,walk around the cliff to the left(south) of the temple.Wacth out for the local monkeys,which for some reason like to snatch spectacles and sunglasses,as well ad handbags,hats and anything else they can get. Uluwatu is one of the several important temple to the spirits of the sea to be found along the southern coast of Bali.Way back to 11th century the Javanese priest Empu Kuturan first established a temple here.The temple was add by Nirartha,another Javenese priest who is known for seafront temples,like Tanah lot,Rambut Siwi and Pura Sakenan.Nirarthe retreated to Uluwatu for his final days,when he attained moksa,or freedom from earthly desires

Goa Gajah

The name Goa Gajah ( Elephant Cave ) was probably derived from a name mentioned in a scripture called Negara Kertagama written during the reign of His Majesty King Hayam Wuruk of Majapahit kindom .In this scripture is mentioned that the king had a heritage on the slope of a mountain called “ Lwa Gajah “.Other assumption come from the shape of the cave which entrance is decorated with carving to look like monster,and from a distance look like elephant head.Another said that the name is come after a Ganesha wooden statue which is put in the cave .Ganesha is a mythological son of shiva,with human body and elephant head.First excavation was conducted in 1950 based on the surface findings and the scriputures.Before it was excavated the area was totally buried and no indication of the bathing place and the cave.The axcavation by National Archaeological Service was successful and could disclose a monument heritage. It seems that Goa Gajah is a hermitage place for the Buddhist priest or what is later known as Shiva-Buddha Syncretism,since there is remains of Buddhism and Shivaism such Lingga- Yoni symbol,and the Hariti Fertile Mother.It was also probable that the oldest Buddhism remains is here,as a Buddhist statue just 25 meters north of the cave as found bearing the same style those found Borodudur.On the wall of the cave was written Sanskrit word with a type of old writing called “ Kadiri Quadrate” mentioning” Sahivansa” It is not known what is the meaning exactly.The writing style was developed during the flourish of Singasari kingdom in East Java around 13th century. Goa Gajah (the Elephant Cave ), is located in a steep valley just outside of Ubud near the town of Bedulu . Built at least 700 years ago, the cave was rediscovered in the 1920s and fully excavated 30 years later.

Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot sunset tours are heavily promoted in all tourist areas. The temple perched on a little rocky islet, look superb whether delicately lit by the dawn light or starkly outlined at sunset. But can it ever live up to the hyper. For the Balinese, Tanah Lot is one of the important and venerated sea temples. Like Pura Uluwatu, at the southern end of the island. The name of Tanah Lot Temple in tourism bibliography about Bali almost never absent. The name Tanah Lot is probably from “Tanah laut “ means land in the sea. It is the fact that the strong sea abrasion has separated the temple area with Bali mainland, so it looks that the temple nest on a small speck of rock building up on the ocean. Despite the fact that strong hit of sea wave but the site is still standing while the whole sides have disappeared by the raged waves of hundreds of year. No historical record is found so far to construct the history of the temple. Scripture of Dang Hyang Nirarta had visited the temple and asked the people around the area to build shire. While the priest also educates the fishermen there in making fish trap. The temples as a whole is dedicated to the God of the sea. Fishermen pray to get fish and prosperity.

Fantastic Tour

“Fantastic Tour!” 5 of 5 starsReviewed July 19, 2013 NEW Gede's service was great and the price was reasonable, so we ended up booking for two days. On the first day we went to Ubud with a driver, Dewa, who was polite and always listened to our requests. He took us to the monkey forest and fantastic restaurant for lunch. He didn't hurry us at all when we wanted to take time and walk around the area. On the second day, we asked him to take us to the northern hot spring. Dewa was so friendly and generous that we felt comfortable travelling with him. Great service and everything was right on time too. Visited July 2013

Excellent and Reasonable

“Excellent and reasonable” 5 of 5 starsReviewed July 16, 2013 NEW We emailed Gede prior to our visit based on recommendations we read on TripAdvisor. Gede was very responsive on email and we soon agreed on an affordable price for an all day tour. Gede knew that some of the locations we wanted to see wouldn't work within our suggested itinerary so he suggested a different plan which worked out well. Upon arrival, we decided to email Gede on a whim to see if he might be available later on in the afternoon to take us to Uluwatu temple. He quickly responded to us via email and had his friend Kumong pick us up at the hotel. Kumong was an absolute pleasure to spend time with as he provided plenty of information about Bali and the temple itself. Kumong was also the driver for our day-long excursion and it was very enjoyable. He gave us his card and we texted him a couple other times for transportation needs up to Seminyak for dinner and he was happy to oblige. He would often even wait for us while we ate our dinner so that he could drive us home and not have to deal with taxis. FULL SERVICE! We would highly recommend going through Gede to hire a driver and we offer high praise for Kumong! Visited July 2013