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.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
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
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