NYEPI - THE SILENT DAY IN BALI

It sounds a little bit strange. A festive day of Silence unlike other festival days in the Balinese calendar which have a happy and joyful mood, NYEPI is the opposite. This religious day is eagerly anticipated by all Balinese.

Because to day is the first day of the Balinese calendar which is called “ ICAKA”. This year NYEPI day falls on March 07th 2008. According to the Balinese calendar this year is the year of ICAKA 1930. Although this day is the first days of the ICAKA year, it is silent days, because every Balinese Hindu is doing “Catur Brata ” which mean four things are forbidden.

1st “AMATI GENI” means that no light or fire allowed. Philosophically it means that they should kill the fire within them self, the fire of desire and lust – through fasting, meditation, and through purification. The one is ready to receive the new life. It is only on the silent day that someone is able to have a deep introspection and rebalance the “Dharma” (good) within them.
2nd “AMATI KARYA” which means no physical activities allowed.
3rd “AMATI LELUNGAN” which means no traveling is permitted.
4th “AMATI LELANGUAN” which means no amusement and pleasurable activities are allowed. All this restriction and their significance must be observed and understood.

In accordance with all this restriction, all daily activities consequently are halted for full day. All public places are empty and deserted. One in a while the head of the village and religious people will check to see if the rules are being observed.

The day before Nyepi day is called “Pengerupukan” and has totally different atmosphere in the morning people perform ceremony devoted to the evil spirit, to prevent them from disturbing the life of the people. This ceremony is called “Tawur Agung”.

The day after Nyepi is called “Ngembak Geni” when all tension is released, On this day people have” Sima Krama” when they visit friends or relatives and socialize together.

LOVINA TOUR

Travel to Bali's north section, Singaraja, and Lovina. Pass through the rice terraces in Bedugul, high in the central ranges of west Bali, a cool mountain retreat nestles in the crater of an extinct volcano. Here placid Lake Bratan, source of life-giving water for the springs, rivers and rice fields below. Verdant tropical rainforest blanket the hills, which at 1400 m above the sea level provide temperatures several degrees lower than the plains (11° to 30° C). On the western shore of the lake, dramatic PURA ULUN DANU BRATAN projects into the water. It is the temple of the lake goddess who is revered as a source of fertility, built by the king of Mengwi in 1633. It consists of four compounds.
BOTANICAL GARDEN - a large expanse of tropical rainforest in the foothills of Bukit Tapak was set aside by the government in 1959. It is covering an area of 129.2 hectares. More than 650 tree species have been recorded in the park, and there are 459 different wild and propagated orchids, including some rare ones collected from nearby forest.
CANDI KUNING is one of the best markets for buying tropical spices, variety of vegetables, flowers and fresh fruits. Moving toward Singaraja, stop over at Gitgit waterfall. To the south of Singaraja is Gitgit Waterfall, Bali's highest waterfall. This beautiful wilderness area is a must for nature lovers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the larger towns. This is a perfect place to take photographs of Bali's magical scenery.

The name "Lovina" was coined by the last king of Buleleng. A convert to Christianity, he gave the name to small tract of land that he purchased at Kaliasem, where he built the Tasik Madu Hotel 1960s. The name Lovina signifies the love is contained in the heart of all people. Lovina is a convenient base for trips around the north coast, a good place to meet other travelers, and there is a bit of nightlife there. The pace of life at Lovina reflects the calmness and safety of the sea. This is an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling, particularly near the reef, and the local boats are for hire. The sunset here is particularly spectacular.and a hot spring at Banjar Tegal.

Departure at 08:30
Approximately 9-10 hours
Price at USD 100 per car

Call your guide in bali : Dika at 62 361 792 1600 or email at bali_dika@yahoo.com

WHERE TO RENT CAR AND MOTOR BIKE IN UBUD BALI

Driving or riding in Bali to entire the small traditional village with a very frindly people and beautiful scenery really an extra ordinary experiences. Rent a car, buy the Bali map and escape from the hustle bustle. Do not worry to get loss, Bali is small island you could explore in one day. Its only 5-6 hours from west coast to east coast and 2-3 hours from south to north coast. Many of Balinese speaking English who yo can asked for the direction of your destination. Simply asked them the main destination then they will direct you with right hand.

There are various vehicle that you could hire in Ubud Bali, selection of jeep suzuki jimny,suzuki karimun, susuki AVP,Toyota avanza, Toyota inova,Daihatsu taruna or daihatsu xenia. Price from US$ 10 a day....read more

TANAH LOT SUNSET TOUR

Tanah Lot Sunset Tour is an exciting tour to visit the temple on the rock with breathtaking view of sunset view as a backdrop. The tour will explore the famous tourist destinations in Bali of Tanah Lot Temple that is located above a big stone in coastal periphery. The tour also visits other places of interest in Tabanan regency or west part of Bali like Taman Ayun Temple and Alas Kedaton (monkey forest). It is a half day tour with private air-conditioning car transfer and professional tour guide who is always outstanding offer out best quality service.


ITINERARY

TAMAN AYUN TEMPLE

Bali Hindu Temple Taman Ayun is a temple which is used as altar by Hindu people specially exists in Bali Island and it is one of the heritages from Mengwi Empire. It is encircled by big fishpond with huge temple area. The temple buildings are boosting high with high philosophy, story and religious. Inside of this temple area, there is a small fishpond encircles the main temple building. Other buildings in this temple area are reflecting to the empire power with each function.

ALAS KEDATON ( Monkey Forest )
Bali Monkey Forest Alas Kedaton is come from the word Alas mean forest and Kedaton. It is a small forest dwelt by a group of monkey and big bat hang-on the trees. The tropical trees are fertile growing in this forest that makes it an ideal habitat of monkeys and other animals. All monkeys living in this forest are chummy and tame with human being. There is a Hindu temple existing in the middle of forest and rice field are located outside of it.

Tanah Lot Temple TANAH LOT TEMPLE
Tanah Lot Temple, West Bali ToursTanah Lot is a Balinese Hindu Temple on the rock and the seawater encircles it when the sea water is tide. It is looked to be adrift in on the ocean and owns the magnificent view of sunset in the late afternoon. There are several points to see this temple with all amazing view. At this temple, we can find other Hindu temples like that make it a holy place in Bali.

From 40.00 USD per CAR
Type: Day Tours in Bali
Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
Departure time : 14:00 pm
Duration: approximately 6 hours
Available: daily
Vehicles : available choices Jeep Toyota Kijang, Suzuki AVP or else
The price is includes petrol, Admission and donation to attraction where applicable

I am "Dika" your assistant in Bali. Feel free to call me at 62 361 792 1600 any time
or email me at bali_dika@yahoo.com

KINTAMANI VOLCANO AND LAKE TOUR

Kintamani Volcano & Lake, sightseeing tour Bali Description:
The perfect introduction to Bali’s fascinating culture and handicrafts, picturesque rice fields, traditional villages and a spectacular lake and volcano. We take you to Batubulan to see the exciting Barong Dance. Continue on through the woodcarving village of Mas.
The perfect introduction to Bali’s fascinating culture and handicrafts, picturesque rice fields, traditional villages and a spectacular lake and volcano. We take you to Batubulan to see the exciting Barong Dance. Visit Ubud the artistic heart of Bali and Celuk the gold and silver making center.Continue on through the woodcarving village of Mas. Watch artisans chipping intricate designs from wood blocks. Visit the fantastic 11th century Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah). Moving into the cool mountains of Kintamani. View Mount Batur with its ribbons of black lava running down its peak to the valley below. Beside lies the shimmering lake of Batur. Enjoy lunch in a restaurant providing wonderful views. Our route home stops at the Holy springs which are believed to have magic curative powers.

From 40.00 USD per CAR
Type: Day Tours in Bali
Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
Departure time : 09.00am
Duration: approximately 8 hours
Available: daily
Vehicles : available choices Jeep Toyota Kijang, Suzuki AVP or else
The price is includes petrol, Admission and donation to attraction where applicable

I am "Dika" your assistant in Bali. Feel free to call me at 62 361 792 1600 any time
or email me at bali_dika@yahoo.com