MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011

Hope you enjoy this holiday season...

... send your regard here

AYANA RESORT and SPA Jimbaran

Ayana Resort and Spa Bali located at Jimbaran, 10 km from Ngurah Rai International Airports

Set on 77 hectares of tropical gardens above Jimbaran Bay, AYANA Resort and Spa enjoys majestic views and a secluded location. With a 290-room hotel and 78 private freestanding villas spread out along its 1.3 kilometer coastline, this is the most spacious and one of the most acclaimed Bali luxury hotels.

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HAPPY GALUNGAN & KUNINGAN

SELAMAT HARI GALUNGAN dan KUNINGAN

Galungan day and Kuningan Day is a time for prayer, family get-together and offering. People pray at the family temples and other holy places to pray, dressed in colorful Balinese costumes. Women carry the offerings on their heads and men bring palm leave offerings in their hands, while the children walk hand in hand next to their parents. Usually people who live in town go to the hometown to visit their elders...

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Pagerwesi Day

On September 29' 2010, Balinese Hindu celebrates Pagerwesi Day.

Literally the word Pagerwesi means 'iron fence' - pager (fence) and wesi (iron) - and reflects the purpose of this important event: it is the day to strengthen one's fortifications against evil. The correlation between Pagerwesi and the Saraswati Day is that knowledge is so powerful that it must be protected from the bad influences. Pagerwesi Day reminds people to be wise and more aware of the function and power of knowledge.

The Pagerwesi occur every 210 days on Wednesday Kliwon Sinta (the first Wednesday in Balinese Pawukon calendar). The celebration is based on the ancient scripture, Sundarigama, which stated that Budha Kliwon Shinta Ngaran Pagerwesi payogan Sang Hyang Pramesti Guru kairing ring watek Dewata Nawa Sanga ngawerdhiaken sarwa tumitah sarwatumuwuh ring bhuana kabeh, means Wednesday Kliwon Shinta is known as Pagerwesi, when Sanghyang Pramesti Guru (God as Supreme Teacher) with Dewata Nawa Sanga (Gods that protect nine directions) meditate for the welfare of all being in the world.

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Singaraja Tour Program

Journey to old capital of Bali

• Full Day tour - 10 hours - pick up time 09.00am
  

Visiting : Taman Ayun Royal Temple at Mengwi, Traditional fruit market and Ulun Danu Lake temple at Bedugul, smooth trekking to Gitgit Waterfall, Singaraja old capital city, Lovina the dolphin Beach, Pupuan green view of rice terrace.

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The Celebration of Knowledge, Saraswati Day

Dewi Saraswati is the Goddess of knowledge and wisdom, symbolized by a beautiful woman with four hands, riding on a white swan among water lilies to tell humanity that science is like a beautiful woman. Her hands hold a palm leaf; a lontar, (a Balinese traditional book which is the source of science or knowledge); a genitri (chain with 108 pieces) symbolizing that knowledge is never ending and has an everlasting life cycle; and a musical instrument (guitar or wina) symbolizing that science develops through the growth of culture. The swans symbolize prudence, so that one's knowledge may distinguish between good and evil and the water lilies (Lotus) are symbols of holiness. The Lotus flower is the holiest for Balinese.

Literally the word Saraswati means 'the essence of the self' ; sara means essence, swa means self. Dewi Saraswati is represented in Hindu mythology as the divine consort of Lord Brahma, the Creator of the universe. Since knowledge is necessary for creation, Saraswati symbolizes the creative power of Brahma. Goddess Saraswati is worshipped by all persons interested in knowledge, especially students, teachers, scholars, and scientists.

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Uluwatu Tour Program

Romantic Afternoon Journey

• Half Day Tour – 4 hours – pick up time 03.00 pm
  
• High Recommended
  

Visiting : Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, the magnificent Uluwatu Rock Temple, Kechak Dance (optional), fresh Balinese seafood dinner at Jimbaran Bay (optional).

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Ubud Tour Program

Exploring Bali Art Villages

• Half Day Tour – 5 hours – pick up time 09.00 am
  
• High Recommended
  

Visiting : Balinese traditional house at Singapadu Village, wood carving village at Mas village, holy elephant cave Goa Gajah, painter community at Ubud art village, center of art market in Ubud, nice view of rice terrace at Tegalalang, holy spring temple at Sebatu

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Denpasar City Tour Program

A Visit to the Capital of Bali Island

• Half Day Tour – 5 hours – pick up time 09.00 am
  
• High Recommended
  

Visiting Denpasar area : Bali Museum and Jagatnatha City Temple ; Main Traditional Market Kumbasari, Art Center Ardha Chandra ; and Bajra Sandhi Monument at Renon.

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Karangasem Tour Program

A visit to the virgin area of the island

• Full Day tour - 8 hours - pick up time 09.00am
  

Visiting : Fisherman Village Kusamba ; holy bat cave Goa Lawah ; native village Tenganan 'Bali Aga' ; passing through Candidasa Beach to Royal Pool Tirta Gangga, Taman Ujung Sukasada ; and at Karangasem Region.

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Bedugul Tour Program

A Romantic Journey to most beautiful part of Bali

• Full Day tour - 8 hours - pick up time 09.00am
  
• High Recommended
  

Visiting : Royal Temple Taman Ayun at Mengwi ; green view at Pacung Village ; traditional fruit and vegetable market Candi Kuning, romantic lake temple Ulun Danu at Lake Beratan Bedugul ; monkey forest at Alas Kedaton ; and lovely marine temple Tanah Lot for sunset view.

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Welcome Dance PANYEMBRAMA

One of the most reasons why people love Bali is because of the hospitality. Balinese always welcome you to enjoy their beautiful island with the unique culture and tradition.

[ Download ]

Panyembrama is Balinese welcome dance. The dance was performed for the first time at the Pandaan Festival in 1971, and now Panyembrama Dance is not only performed on the commercial stage, but is also performed as the opening dance of religious ceremonies in temples.

After spending many years learning Balinese dance and traditional instruments, I Wayan Berata made a composition for a new dance called Panyembrama, 1963. The name of the dance comes from the Balinese word for welcome.

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Besakih Tour Program

Holy Mother Temple Pura Besakih

• Full Day tour - 8 hours - pick up time 09.00am
  
• High Recommended
  

Visiting : Palace of Justice Kertagosa at Klungkung Regency, rice terrace view at Bukit Jambul, mother temple Pura Besakih, fisherman village at Kusamba and holy bat cave Goa Lawah

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Tanah Lot Tour Program

Beautiful Sunset Tour

• Half Day Tour – 5 hours – pick up time 02.30 pm
  
• High Recommended
  

Visiting : Royal temple Taman Ayun at Mengwi, holy monkey forest Alas Kedaton with some giant bat and a lovely view of Tanah Lot the marine temple

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Kintamani Tour Program

Magnificent Batur

• Full Day tour - 8 hours - pick up time 08.30am
  
• High Recommended
  

Visiting : Balinese traditional house at Singapadu Village, wood carving village at Mas village, holy elephant cave Goa Gajah, painter community at Ubud art village, nice view of rice terrace at Tegalalang, holy spring temple at Sebatu and magnificent view of Mount and Lake Batur from Kintamani.

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Kuta Party Nights

Thanks to Dewi (nowbali.co.id) for sharing her story…

It is often by Thursday night when our crew is ready to hit the night lights. Weekends can be busy and Thursday feels more local. What better way to start the night then having a few drinks at La Vida Loca Bar, on Blue Ocean beach, at the end of Double Six Rd. The live music starts from 10pm onwards. This Thursday we had a plan and there were a few events we wanted to catch, so after chatting up a few European visitors e we had a bit of a dance before moving on to Dejavu for a Fashion Show featuring the "Pygmees" label.

Dejavu is also a beachfront night club. It is about 50 meters away from La Vida Loca and has a wide open area that allows the night sea breeze through. The décor is modern with lots of roomy couches where you can rest your feet or socialize. The music is also modern; electronic and techno. The place was really crowded when they started the show. They had prepared a wooden catwalk through the centre of the club, elevated quite high so that everyone was able to see the models.

We then decided to go hit Kuta, it was almost 2 o'clock and we didn't want to miss the bikini show in M Bar Go. We caught a cab and joined the traffic to Kuta, even at this time of night there is plenty of action at this end of town.

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Villa SHALIMAR

Villa Shalimar is located on the beach of Pantai Seseh, about 60 minutes to the west from Denpasar.

The name Shalimar means 'nest of love', provide the 6-bedroom villa KALIMA, the 4-bedroom villa MAKANDA, and 2-bedroom villa CANTIK. Each villa consists of the main house with a large open lounge area connected to the kitchen and the open wooden veranda in the front that leads directly to the pool. The house is 2 storey s high and it has got an excellent all-around view over the rice paddies in the back and frontal ocean front in the front. Two bedrooms upstairs and two bedrooms as separate bungalows attached to the main house.

Villa CANTIK. 2 AC bedrooms positioned over one level, Open air living area and kitchen fully equipped. A private swimming pool of 7×9 meters. Large bathrooms and 2 showers in each bathroom. Fully equipped open kitchen (meals are prepared at the back house where there is a complete professional kitchen). Plasma TV of 20 inch screen, DVD player, i-pod holder, and stereo installation.

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Car for Rent in Bali

We would recommend that you rent a car with a driver especially if you are visiting Bali for the first time; you don't have to worry about getting lost and wasting time wandering around.

Here are the recommended car series for rental...

Daihatsu Xenia Max. 5 passengers USD 40 /8 hours

Daihatsu Taruna Max. 5 passengers USD 40 /8 hours

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Melia Bali Villa and Spa Resort

This hotel was build in Nusa Dua enclave of Bali's prestigious resort area where you can find another 5 stars hotel, about 25 minutes from Ngurah Rai international airport.

As a 5 stars hotel, Melia Bali Villa and Spa Resort offer 494 comfortable guestrooms with a range of in-room facilities suitable for the modern traveler. This beachfront resort include 117 Superior Rooms exclusively at the ground level, 247 Deluxe Garden Rooms, 54 Duplex Suites, 26 The LEVEL Duplex Suites, 30 Family Rooms, 9 Deluxe & Family Suites and one Executive Suite.

All offer the height of contemporary luxury, highlighted by indigenous teakwood and furnishing with jewel-tone accents. Ten private villas are set in a secluded compound apart from the rest of the resort and feature manicured tropical gardens, personal plunge pools, outdoor dining environments, luxurious sunken tubs and outdoor showers. A selection of non-smoking rooms is available.

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DRIVING in Bali

Driving in Bali isn't the huge task it might seem on arrival. There are plenty of places to rent a car cheaply and quickly and the driving isn't too challenging.

Driving as a tourist. Tourists often comment that the roads in Bali seem a madhouse, and this frightens people away from driving. Most local people in Bali have never had a driving lesson. They don't need to, as you can get your driving license without taking a test (but its cheaper if they take the test). The road skills people have are earned by plugging headfirst into traffic, and muscling their way through, like everyone else is doing. This can be a hard concept to learn, putting the western idea of 'road rules' aside, and taking up a 'law of the jungle' approach, but that's how it is.

Driving styles. Balinese / Indonesian drivers do things a little differently at intersections. Whereas in the west, we are taught to wait our turn, pull into the middle of the intersection and execute a turn, over here many people cut across to the oncoming lane, going head on to traffic, before switching lanes at an opportune moment. They think this is a smart and sensible way to drive, as it saves a few seconds. The problem with this is puts you in a head-on situation, and forces you to cut across traffic in the lane you are trying to get back into. This tactic is used mostly by motorbikes, but if you are a tourist and plan to rent a car, it's good to know what to expect...

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Selamat Idul Fitri 1431H

Dari lubuk hati yang terdalam... kami keluarga besar Bali Anjani Vacations mengulurkan tangan untuk meminta maaf atas segala kesalahan di hari-hari kemarin...

Selamat merayakan Hari Kemenangan kawan...
Selamat HARI IDUL FITRI 1 SYAWAL 1431 H
Mohon Maaf Lahir dan Batin

Ikhlaskan maafmu bersama-sama di sini...

Sanur the Sunrise Village

Sanur is a peaceful fishing village in east part of Denpasar. The name 'Sanur' originates from two words ; 'saha' and 'nuhur', literally means 'the passion to visit a certain place'.

Sanur is famed for its beautiful strip of pure sandy beaches across the coastal line. It is also famed for its' spectacular sunrises which 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 intertwined 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 variety of restaurants for wining and dining, the option is endless in Sanur.

History. Sanur also represents a name that carries important history for tourism 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 occurred 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 that is strongly remembered by every individual Balinese until today's generation.

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Barong and Kriss Dance Gallery Photo

The Barong dance is truly a triumphant display of bright colors and graceful movements.
Inspired by an episode taken from Mahabharata, an epic poem written in Sanskrit. The dance evolves around the character of the Barong, the king of the jungle. A mythical animal, he is the symbol of virtue and good, subject to the continuous struggle against the evil forces - Rangda, that threaten life and the integrity of the forest, this being an element very dear to the Balinese population.

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Barong and Kriss Dance

A straight forward battle between good and bad : The Barong dance is the classic story of good (the Barong) triumphing over evil (the witch Rangda).

The villages of Batubulan as well as Tegaltamu and Singapadu, small towns located 30 minutes from Denpasar, are known for putting on the best performances. There is, however, more to the Barong dance than the folkloristic dimension. It is, in fact, an integral part of the island's culture and has an evident sacred connotation. It isn't rare, in fact, to see the Balinese dancing the Barong during their religious ceremonies, regardless of the presence of tourists.

The Barong dance is truly a triumphant display of bright colors and graceful movements.
Inspired by an episode taken from Mahabharata, an epic poem written in Sanskrit. The dance evolves around the character of the Barong, the king of the jungle. A mythical animal, he is the symbol of virtue and good, subject to the continuous struggle against the evil forces that threaten life and the integrity of the forest, this being an element very dear to the Balinese population.

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Maya Ubud Resort and Spa

Built in 2000 as a Luxury Resort in Ubud area, Maya Ubud Resort & Spa features 108 Guest rooms and Villas, each with spectacular views of the river and fertile rice terraces. All Villas have private gardens and Deluxe Villas and Suites have private plunge pools.

Your morning perfection is an intact pleasure where the morning alarm here is naturally made by a rooster call. Sliding out from the immaculate soft blanket has never been a trouble like this one. The cozy ambience reconciled with natural tranquility distinguishes Maya Ubud Resort & Spa as a spectacular choice for those who prioritize comfort in an exceptional hideaway.

Maya Ubud Resort & Spa lies on the eastern part of Ubud, around 5 minutes drive from the central part and art markets. It is a perfect holiday resort for totally relax and indulge around the serenity of Balinese rice paddies.

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SailSensations

Daylight Sensation - One Day Cruise

Departing from Benoa Harbor at 9 am, the voyage to Nusa Lembongan, a small island to the east of Bali, takes about one and half hours. The journey on the 27-meter luxury catamaran that can accommodate 110 people on board is as smooth as silk, as if we are sailing on a perfectly still ocean.

A buffet breakfast is served and some passengers take their meal in the breezy main area where the bar is, while others enjoy theirs on the deck under the warm morning sun.

Upon arrival in Nusa Lembongan, the guests are welcomed at The Anchorage. Many kinds of terrestrial and water activities await. The Sail Sensation’s staff can arrange for snorkeling at Lembongan Bay where you can see coral and abundant fish, a glass-bottom boat if you who want to view the marine life from above or a fun ride on a banana boat. Alternatively, there is a village tour which gives you a glimpse of the local’s daily activities, including a look at a seaweed farming area and exploring an underground house dug by hand by a man.

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Taman Budaya Ardha Chandra Art Center

Bali Art Center or known as Taman Budaya Ardha Chandra is located at Kecamatan Kesiman, municipality of Denpasar. More precisely is at the southern end of the Nusa Indah street of East Denpasar city.

Taman Budaya architecturally is a complex of buildings with the main mark of a big open stage. Designed by a traditional Balinese architect Ida Bagus Pugur, opened for public in 1973.

Besides the traditional open stage there are many buildings and hall constructed in Balinese architecture with finest decoration. These buildings are consisting of two types, one type is for permanent exhibition and others are for seasonal exhibition, especially during Bali Art Festival of June every year. Two buildings with the finest Bali architecture are for permanent exhibition where one can see various art of Bali from dance facilities or figures, carvings, clothing arts, paintings, and others.

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Ceremonies Create Connection

Balinese Hindus observe the state laws of Indonesia and also the complex traditional guidelines (adat or Desa Pekraman) which govern cultural and religious life according to the Desa (place), Kala (time), Patra (condition).

Balineses are competitive as anyone around schooling, business and career. However in cultural and religious activities, Balinese are highly cooperative. Few cultural or religious activities can be carried out alone.

Men, women and communities work together to create the colorful ceremonies of family, temple and public life.

A family ceremony-such as blessing a new house - new baby or marriage – will involve extended family and immediate neighbors. The whole village or neighboring villages cooperate in the more elaborate temple ceremonies – perhaps providing Pesantian (Balinese choir), Gamelan (gong orchestra) or ceremonial dancers.

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