Ogoh-Ogoh

Ogoh-ogoh are statues built for the Ngrupuk parade, which takes place on the eve of Nyepi day in Bali, Indonesia. Ogoh-ogoh normally have form of mythological beings, mostly demons. As with many creative endeavours based on Balinese Hinduism, the creation of Ogoh-ogoh represents spiritual aims inspired by Hindu philosophy.[1][2] The main purpose of the making of Ogoh-ogoh is the purification of the natural environment of any spiritual pollutants emitted from the activities of living beings (especially humans). The forms of Ogoh-ogoh represent the Bhuta-Kala (Bhuta: eternal energy, Kala: eternal time), according to Hindu teachings. The imperceptible potentials of nature cannot be thoroughly explored by anyone. Philosophically, civilized men are required to manage the natural resources without damaging the environment itself. Aside from being the symbol of Bhuta-Kala, Ogoh-ogoh is considered a symbol of modes of nature that form the malicious characters of living beings. Ogoh-ogoh are usually made by the group of artists found in villages around Bali. After being paraded on a convoy around the town, finally it is burnt to ashes in a cemetery as a symbol of self-purification. An Ogoh-ogoh is normally standing on a pad built of timber planks and bamboos. The pad is designed to sustain the Ogoh-ogoh while it is being lifted and carried around the village or the town square. There are normally eight or more men carrying the Ogoh-ogoh on their shoulders. This procession is accompanied by orchestral music performed by the youth. The use of flares is also a main part of the parade. During the procession, the Ogoh-ogoh is rotated counter-clockwise three times. This act is done at every T-junction and crossroad of the village. Rotating the effigies during the cremational parade and the eve of Nyepi represents the contact of the bodies with the spirits. It is intended to bewilder the evil spirits so that they go away and cease harming human beings. The Ogoh-ogoh is a very recent addition to the Nyepi ceromonies, first appearing in Denpasar in the early 1980s. At that time, they were carefully monitored for any criticism of the Suharto regime.

We recommend this guy warmly

“We recommend this guy warmly”

Reviewed March 13, 2012 NEW

Among numerous Bali drivers we had the pleasure of using, Gede would be in the top.
He is nice looking, well groomed, polite and his knowledge of English allows you to discuss local topics with him for a whole day.
His van is very comfortable and nice looking, his driving responsible and his prices quite reasonable.
Once enjoying his level of service, you will be booking him repeatedly later - rest assured.
Gede is our default driver when we stay in Bali.

Visited February 2012

I Know Gede...

I know Gede and would recommend him to my friends as an excellent guide and driver. When I was in Bali he took us to places that were very special where not many tourists go. He knows Bali because it is home and he is steeped in its traditions and culture. He cares deeply about his family and community. If you want to know Bali in a deeper way than the hype and bright lights, he is your man. I am sure he can find you the fun spots you want too.

Gede spent Christmas in our home many years ago and we gave him a tee shirt that said, "G'day from Australia". He is a lovely person, who is bright, generous and caring, has integrity and cares about his clients and his work. Our family has kept in touch over the years and enjoyed watching his lovely sons grow. I hope you will use him for your holiday in Bali.

Excellent day trip experience with Gede

“Excellent day trip experience with Gede”

Reviewed February 25, 2012 NEW

Gede picked us up from our Nusa Dua resort and drove us for one whole day and showed us the tanah lot temple, wood carving shops, and elephant cave. Although we had booked him for two days, we were very tired at the end of day 1 and asked him if we could cancel day 2. He was extremely courteous and replied that it was "no problem" with a smile!

He is very responsive and accessible via email and phone txt messages which made communication very easy. We booked him to pick us up from our hotel in Ubud to the airport and he arrived 30 minutes ahead of time! He also took us to a temple on the way to the airport, another late request at no extra charge.

I highly reccomend Gede. Be sure to ask him questions, he knows a lot but is not very chatty unless asked. It is probably the balinese politeness! :)

Visited February 2012

First Trip To Bali

Brendan - 2012-02-21 22:20:45

We arrived at DPS airport to be met with a huge smile and from that moment on I knew that my family would enjoy their time in Bali.

Gede was informative,punctual,friendly and his english was first class.We had a hoot, he even arrived the first day with an esky full of ice for our day trip, which forced me to pack a couple of Bintangs for the trip. Could not recommend highly enough my wife and I and two teenage children had a great time.

regards

uluwatu temple

Day with gede

“A day (or two) with Gede”

Reviewed January 8, 2012 NEW

This trip was our second to Bali and was also the second where we asked Gede to look after us. Apart from taking us to really interesting places Gede was great to talk to about culture. He really expanded our learnings. We have passed on his business details to Darwin friends and family going to Bali and will continue to do so!

• Visited December 2011

Balinese woman in 1925

Thank you so much

Dear Gede,
thank you so very much for all that you did to make Bali come alive for my friends and for me. We were all thrilled with the tour, with your kindnesses and with the sites that we saw.

Also, I have written to my brother who owns a cruise travel agency in the States, and sent him a copy of your card. I do hope he will refer some clients to you.

Once again, thank you for the tour, for the comfort of your car, and for being so kind to all of us.

Sharon Morton.

Thank you...

Hello Pak Gede,

Thank you for bring me and my friend around. It's been an enjoyable experience to discover new places n roads. Hope to visit madewi and also lovina soon. Special thanks to Pak Soma who is very sincere and accommodating to show my friend the tourism places as it is the first visit and balancing up with me who frequent to bali to discover new beaches and places.

I will contact you again on my next trip next year to discover lovina and more interesting places in Bali.

I never get sick of Bali.

Terima kasih banyak banyak Pak.

regards,

Fadzli

Trip To Bali Memorable

. Denise Dickson - 2011-10-28 07:02:30
Dear Gede, thank you for your part in making my first trip to Bali memorable. It was so good to be met at the aiport and not have to worry about finding my own way to Sanur. I enjoyed the drive to Ubud a week later, and after I mentioned my areas of interest you know exactly where to take me (loved the silver jewellery place!). The warung you took me to for lunch at Ubud had the best (very spicy) nasi goreng I had during the whole trip. Thanks for talking to me and answering my many questions about Bali - makes it so much easier to understand the culture, "fit in" and not make "innocent" mistakes. The handweaving and batik making place (on the drive to the Denpasar and the airport on the day of my departure) was interesting and I have a few good photos. Busy Kuta is not on my list of places to return to for reasons we talked about! I’ll be in touch again when I next come to Bali, hopefully next year.

Bali Driver Album

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My Team with visitor from malaysia

Unforgetable experience

kristin phillips - 2011-07-27 06:24:28

Dear Gede, You helped to make my first trip to Bali an unforgetable experience. Thanks for your advice on where to go and what to see. Without you I doubt we would have gone white water rafting or to a butterfly farm. We would never have found a cup of coffe luwak in the midst of a garden. Your patient and safe driving was much appreciated. It was a real honour to be there on the day that your new baby girl arrived. I would have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone who was coming to Bali. Warm Regards Kristin and Jack

Punctual&Honest

Dear Gede
Thank you so much for your friendly, honest and punctual service. You made our second trip to Bali better than our first. We all felt so comfortable and well understood. You gave us invaluable informatin to help us plan our trip and we enjoyed hearing all about the Bali culture. We would recommend you to anyone! We hope to see you again and would love to hear when the baby arrives - good luck. A big thumbs up from Kym, Frank, Tiarna & Riley.